Home Remedies for Poison Ivy

The Dangers of Nature

Outdoor activities can add both excitement and relaxation to your usual routine. Countless families each year choose camping, rafting, rock climbing, and a variety of other nature-related ventures for their vacation. As the world continues to seem smaller and people work longer hours and have less free time, rural areas of the globe have enjoyed more popularity than ever before.

However with so many people playing outside, it is vital we understand some of the risks associated with getting back to nature. One of these is the common culprit Poison Ivy, a plant notorious for causing major skin irritation to those who encounter it. Most people experience a mild to severe allergic reaction to its oils, and recovery can be either quick or last from 2-4 weeks depending upon the strength of reaction.

While there are plenty of commercial products available to treat this common ailment, many have found that home remedies for poison ivy tend to be more effective and can comfort more quickly than products the skincare industry typically prescribes.

Home Remedies for Poison Ivy

Though always annoying, poison ivy irritation is not usually so severe that it cannot be treated at home. While there is no evidence showing homemade treatments to accelerate healing time, it has been proven that such simple remedies can increase comfort by relieving symptoms effectively.

Topical Treatment

As soon as you realize you have come in contact with a poison ivy plant, immediately wash and rinse off the area of your skin that has been affected. In a certain percentage of people, immediate washing will prevent the development of a rash.

If you are not so lucky and still experience a reaction, put cold, wet compresses on your dry blisters or itching skin. Using an antihistamine cream or cortisone ointment can also work to reduce swelling, blistering, and further irritation.

If your rash is still causing you a high level of grief, consider investing in some tea tree oil. Known as a godsend within the homeopathic community, this home remedy for poison ivy can bring you a fast and easy solution to your condition. Along the same lines, mineral oil is becoming known as a skincare product capable of dissolving the rash and preventing further complications such as infection.

Another formulation known as Jewelweed is popular as a natural home remedy for skin irritation, partly because it is considered so simple to make. Mix together ¼ cup of water, ¼ cup of aloe stems or juice, ½ cup of jewelweed stems and leaves. Combine these all into a blender. After they are fully mixed, add in a bag of comfrey tea and heat the entire mixture to a soft boil. After it is cooled, strain and add into a spray bottle. This mixture can be applied directly onto the irritated skin and help to relieve symptoms.

Wild peach tea, rhubarb, and a variety of other natural ingredients have also been linked to poison ivy treatment. Many quality books and websites are available if you are interested in finding a remedy suited perfectly to your skin.

If this all is a little too alternative and “new age” for you, you can also reduce your symptoms by combining a teaspoon of water with 3 teaspoons of baking soda or oatmeal. Once a paste is formed, apply on the affected skin and allow yourself some resting time.

Oral Treatments

If an antihistamine cream is not readily available in your local drug store, you can take oral antihistamines to achieve the same solution. Many people take Benadryl or one of its competitors for poison ivy, mosquito bites, and a myriad of other skin irritations associated with the great outdoors. Antihistamines can be easily found in grocery stores, pharmacies, and sometimes even in public restroom vending machines.

Taking vitamin C or betacarotines can also help to soothe angry skin following an attack. Home remedies for poison ivy are mostly thought of as odd paste concoctions you smear on the skin; however, many oral medicines such as these can give you the same positive effects without the hassle and mess.