Sometimes, when you cut down a scraggly shrub while trimming your lawn, your legs and arms might start tingling and turn red. And until and unless the problem becomes too serious you don’t get to know about it. Well, that is because of the plant is known as poison ivy. This itchy rash is quite painful and turns red in color. When your skin comes into contact with this plant, wash off your skin immediately. It may reduce the chances of getting a poison ivy rash. You can treat mild cases of rash at home with cool baths and soothing lotions. In this article, you will get to know some tips to treat poison ivy.
The poison ivy plant is commonly found in the United States. It is also grown in parts of Mexico, Asia, and Canada. Many people get rash from poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak. These plants usually grow in wooded areas, on the roadside, open fields and along riverbanks. The urushiol oil is found in this plant which is the cause of this rash. This oil is present in the stems, leaves, and roots of poison ivy. After coming into contact with this oil, the itchy and blistering rash doesn’t start until 12 to 72 hours. The poison ivy rash is not contagious and doesn’t spread. It usually disappears in 1 to 3 weeks. If the rash is severe or widespread then you need to consult your doctor.
Symptoms of Poison Ivy:
- Red bumps
- Oozing blisters
- Itching of the skin
- Pain
- Redness of the skin
- Swelling
Causes of Poison Ivy Rash:
- Direct Contact: By touching the poison ivy plant, you can get a rash. Every part of this plant contains the oil.
- Indirect Contact: The oil can stick to anything. If you touch gardening tool, pet’s fur or sports equipment then you can get a rash. Animals or pets can’t get this rash. Only the people can get this rash.
- Airborne Contact: When you burn these plants, they release particles of the oil in the air. These airborne particles when land on the skin, you may get infected.
How Long Does Poison Ivy Last?
In a mild case, the rash caused by the poison ivy plant may last from 5 to 12 days. In severe cases, this rash may last for a month or longer.
Best Remedies to Treat Poison Ivy:
1.) Baking Soda to Get Rid of Poison Ivy Fast
Baking soda is the great remedy for curing poison ivy rash. It helps to treat itchiness which is associated with the poison ivy rash.
Directions to Use Baking Soda:
- Take half cup of baking soda and put it in a bath tub filled with warm water.
- Soak your affected skin area in this bath tub to get relief from the rash.
- You can also take 3 tsp of baking soda and mix it with 1 tsp of water to form a paste. Now apply this paste to the affected skin area. Keep it for sometime as it will relieve itching and irritation which is associated with a poison ivy rash.
2.) Oatmeal Paste to Treat Poison Ivy Fast and Naturally
Oatmeal is the beneficial home remedy which contains several health benefits. It promotes the faster healing process. Oats are used as an ingredient in many beauty products.
Directions to Use Oatmeal Paste:
- Take a small amount of oatmeal and cook them.
- Apply the cooked oatmeal on the skin as a paste.
- But remember; cook it thick so that it can stick to the skin.
- If you apply it while it is warm then the heat from the oatmeal will leave the skin dry and relieved.
- Don’t apply the oatmeal too hot as it may burn the skin.
- You can also mix a tsp of baking soda for relieving itch effect.
3.) Organic Apple Cider Vinegar to Cure Poison Ivy Rash
Being a home remedy, apple cider vinegar works effectively for several health problems. It has a toxin pulling action which helps to suck the poison out of the pores.
Directions to Use ACV:
- Take a brown paper bag and soak it in apple cider vinegar. Now place it on the rash to remove out the toxins.
- You can also create a warm vinegar compress. You need to soak a thin cotton towel in this warm vinegar and apply it to the skin.
4.) Aloe Vera Gel to Treat Poison Ivy Naturally and Fast
Aloe Vera is an ancient natural remedy for the skin. It can be used directly on the infected skin area. Due to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of Aloe Vera, it helps to prevent further infection growth.
Directions to Use Aloe Vera Gel:
- You can buy an organic Aloe Vera gel from health food stores.
- Extract the gel from an Aloe Vera leaf and apply it directly on the rash. It will help to soothe a burning sensation and itching as well.
5.) Banana Peel to Heal Poison Ivy Fast
Banana peel contains the cooling qualities that will provide you itch relief. It is best for the poison ivy treatment. It is also very helpful to treat blisters on your skin.
Directions to Use Banana Peel:
- Peel off the skin of a ripe banana.
- Rub the inside part of the peel on the infected skin area for instant cooling relief.
- Repeat it 2 or 3 times in a day to get quick relief.
6.) Rubbing Alcohol to Treat Poison Ivy at Home
Being a solvent, rubbing alcohol contains 70% of isopropyl or absolute alcohol and it is used as a topical application. The soothing, cooling and disinfectant properties of rubbing alcohol, helps to treat the symptoms of poison ivy. It will help to sterilize the infected skin and helps to prevent further infection.
Directions to Use Rubbing Alcohol:
- Apply the rubbing alcohol on the infected skin are and wrap it with a clean cloth.
- Follow this remedy many times a day for 2 to 3 days to get relief from poison ivy.
7.) Acorns to Treat Poison Ivy Fast and Naturally
The antiseptic and antiviral properties of acorns can be used to cure skin rashes and irritations, cuts, minor burns, abrasions and poison ivy as well.
Directions to Use Acorns:
- Take some fresh cracked acorns and boil it in water for several minutes.
- Strain the nuts and let the tannic water cool.
- Dip a cotton swab in this solution and apply it to your infected skin.
- Repeat it 2 or 3 times in a day for relieving poison ivy rash.
8.) Buttermilk to Treat Poison Ivy Fast and Naturally
Buttermilk is one of the best home remedies for poison ivy treatment. It contains high protein content that will help to remove out fluid from blisters. The soothing properties of buttermilk will give you relief from itching.
Directions to Use Buttermilk:
- Mix equal parts of salt, buttermilk, and vinegar. Rub this solution on the infected skin area. It is quite painful and this remedy will help to dry up the rash quickly. It also helps to stop itching and soothe the skin area.
- An alternate method, mix some buttermilk to warm water and then use it to wash the infected skin area. It is very soothing on itchy skin area.
9.) Cold Water to Cure Poison Ivy Fast
When your skin comes in contact with the poisonous plant, the cold compress will help to reduce the size and severity of the developing rash. It will also reduce itchiness.
Directions to Use Cold Water:
- Simply dip a cotton swab in too cold water. Apply this cold water swab on the affected area. Let it dry and repeat it as needed.
- Another method is to wrap some ice cubes in a towel and apply it to the infected area for a few hours. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables. Repeat it again in every 2 hours. Don’t apply ice directly on the skin.
- You can also keep your affected area under cold running water for 15 minutes.
10.) Water Melon to Treat Poison Ivy Fast
Watermelon is one of the best home remedies for treating poison ivy. The rind of watermelon work as a cold compress and the juice will help to dry out blisters.
Directions to Use Water Melon:
- Gently rub the chilled watermelon rind on the infected skin area.
- Allow it to dry on its own and do it 3 or 4 times in a day until you see the improvement.
- An alternate method is to mash some watermelon with rind and cool it in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Apply it to your skin and allow it to dry naturally for soothing relief. Do it many times in a day.