Poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac contain an oily sap called urushiol that yields an irritating rash.
Ways to relieve Poison Ivy
Urushiol rash is not contagious.
Body parts such as eyes, lips, and genitals are more sensitive to the poison sap Urushiol.
It is imperative to wash all clothes, shoes and boots, bedding, as well as garden tools and even pets, that have come in contact with either the poison ivy plant or sores.
To prevent infection after blisters form, cover them with sterile gauze.
Clean your skin immediately (within 10 minutes) after exposure to urushiol oil. First, clean the skin with rubbing alcohol, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Soap can serve as a vehichle and distribute the urushiol to other parts of your body.
Don't use hot water or scrub your skin. This can absorb the urushiol deeper into your pores.
Clean under your fingernails.
Don't scratch the blisters they may become infected and or leave permanent skin damage.
Take cold baths or cold showers, apply cold compresses, and/or massage the affected area with an ice cube. The cooling sensation will provide temporary relief.
Sweating can cause the rash to become irritated and potentially cause more spreading.
Never burn poison oak because it can result in a dangerous smoke hazardous to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
Folk Remedies & All Natural Supplements
*These folk remedies and related products are provided as an informational courtesy to our viewers. Please consult with your health care provider for diagnosis and before you implement any self prescribed supplementation.
Calamine lotion: Calamine lotion can ease the itching and soothe blistered skin. Apply regularly and liberally. St. John's Wort: Natural herb; Make a paste of St. John's Wort and apply to the itchy area to get several hours relief from itching. Can be found in the wild but it is best to buy in capsule form. Alcohol, rubbing: Some dermatologists recommend applying rubbing alcohol liberally to skin and clothing exposed to poison ivy, followed by a thorough washing with water. Apple cider vinegar: Combine equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar. Dab on affected areas, let dry, and repeat as often as needed. Baking soda: Add a tablespoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water and use the mixture to wash the affected area. Oatmeal: This seems a bit messy but reported to work. Cook some oatmeal, allow to cool down, and then applly to the affected area. If the whole body is affected, place a box of oatmeal in with warm bath water and soak in it for a while. Don't dry off instead allow the natural drying to leave a film on your skin. Buttermilk: Wet affected areas with buttermilk, reapply when drying occurs. Cornstarch: Either make into a paste and apply or dust the affected area. Epsom salts: Make into a paste and apply to affected area or soak the affected area in a solution of Epsom salts and water for 30 minutes daily. Plantain: A common natural herb; Crush the leaf and rub it on the affected area. Please make sure you have Plantain and not some other plant. Salt water: Draw a bath of warm water and add some sea salt and bathe. Tea tree oil: To reduce itching and promote healing of the blisters apply several times a day. Watermelon: A old folk remedy; cut open a fresh watermelon and rub the area with the flesh and rind.
Genesis 1:29 "And God said,
'Behold I have given every herb-bearing seed which is
upon the face of all the earth and every tree, in
which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed: to you it
shall be for meat'."
