Home Remedies for Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is a bothersome vine that produces a skin irritant called urushiol. This irritant results in an itchy rash in most people. Poison ivy is found almost all across North America, with the exception of a few states such as California, Alaska, and Hawaii. In most cases, it is best to simply avoid any contact with the plant. The leaves of poison ivy have three almond shaped leaflets with grayish white fruit/ drupes. If you recognize the plant, simply avoid touching it. If you enjoy the outdoors, it is always advisable to wear long pants, gloves, full-sleeved shirts, and boots to prevent a poison ivy allergy. Poison ivy rashes can take anywhere between 8 hours to a week to appear. The rashes are characterized by swelling, red colored bumps, itching, and blisters filled with fluids.
Home Remedies for Poison Ivy: The first thing to do if you have come into contact with a poison ivy plant is to clean the exposed areas with alcohol. Wash the area with plain water using no soap, as soap can react with urushiol. Then, take a warm shower using soap. In addition, to prevent the spread of itching and rashes, clean all your clothing as well as accessories with alcohol. Cleaning the affected area as well as your belongings with alcohol prevents the further spread of the rash by removing urushiol from these surfaces.
Poison Ivy Home Remedy
To stop the itching make a paste with 1 tbsp of salt, 1/8 tsp of peppermint oil, 1-2 cups of green clay, and water. Apply this on the rash and leave for about 30 minutes. Store the rest in an air tight jar for further use. Take a warm shower, and use a banana peel to rub the infected areas to relive itching. Water melon rind can also be rubbed to relieve itching.
An oatmeal paste can be used as a scrub to treat the rashes. You can also add baking soda and corn starch to the oatmeal paste. Aloe vera gel is an excellent remedy for soothing the affected area. Apply a paste made with turmeric powder and lime juice on the rashes. While this might sting slightly, it is extremely beneficial in healing the rashes. Allow it to work on the skin for 15-20 minutes, and then wipe off the excess. Strong tea from burdock roots helps in reducing the itching and healing the rashes.
Calamine lotion, baking soda, and potato juice can soothe the itching. Keep in mind that these are basic first aid measures; if the condition persists, it is imperative that you consult a physician.
