Posted in Category : Common Ailments | April 16, 2009

Poison Ivy Treatment | Cure | Relief

Poison Ivy: Poison Ivy is a woody plant that produces an oil that irritates the skin and causes an allergic reaction called Poison Ivy contact dermatitis or simply Poison Ivy. While poison ivy is unpleasant, it does not pose any serious risks.

Symptoms of Poison Ivy:
In most cases, the effects are almost immediate. However, the rash may erupt even two days after. Itchy, red bumps or blisters, and curved lines are the first signs of the rash. These can continue erupting over the next few days, depending upon the kind of contact you have had and the areas of the skin that the resin has touched. Poison ivy rash cannot be passed from one person to another.

Treatment:
When it comes to poison ivy dermatitis, prevention is the best way. If you are already affected, you must wash the affected area thoroughly with warm water and soap. But once the rash begins to erupt, it will clear in 14-21 days. Other treatment options are available to control the itching. Oral antihistamines can control the itch, Cortisone creams, when applied before the blisters form or when the blisters dry up, can also provide some relief.

Home Remedy for Poison Ivy: You may want to treat poison ivy with some kitchen remedies or home remedies. Interestingly, daily ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and oatmeal can give you solutions to treat poison ivy.

Oatmeal: Boil oatmeal in water and let it cool for sometime before applying it to the affected area. Apply it in thick layers so that it will harden as it dries up. You can even add a spoon or two of baking soda for relief from the oozing and itching. This is a soothing poultice that will help to control the blistering as well as reduce inflammation.

Baking Soda: Mix about three spoons of baking soda with a spoon of water to make a thick paste. Apply it on the rash and let it dry. You can also mix baking soda in your bath water and soak in it.

Vinegar: Apply vinegar over the blisters and rash to get relief. It is believed that vinegar can dissolve the poison ivy oil that causes the itchy reaction.

Banana Peel:
Rub the inside of the peel on the rashes for instant relief.

Aloe Vera: Use the aloe-http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Poison-Ivy.htmlvera gel to soothe the raw and bruised skin around the rash as well as treat poison ivy rash.

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