I remember playing a game of neighborhood tag when I was 12. It was in the evening and I found the perfect hiding spot. I was with my best friend and we took refuge in a field of shrubs and weeds.
Little did we know that we were surrounded by poison ivy. Lucky for me, I belong to the roughly 20% of the population that is desensitized to poison Ivy.
My best friend on the other hand, discovered that he was like the nearly 10-50 million Americans that suffer from poison ivy dermatitis every year.
Obviously the best practice is avoidance. Learn to spot poison ivy. It likes to lurk on the edge of forests. Also at the base of trees or shrubs.
It has a very characteristic 3 leave pattern. You may have heard the expression “leaves of three, let it be.” If you’re reading this post there’s a good chance that you weren’t able to avoid exposure.
First things first, wash the effected areas thoroughly with warm water and mild dish soap. Wash in the same direction to avoid spreading the oil (after all, it’s the oil that causes all of the problem.)
Time is of the essence. Studies show that washing oil within 10 minutes of exposure can eliminate > 50 % of the oil on your skin and significantly reduce the rash. Waiting 30 minutes will decrease the ability to remove oil to nearly 10%.
The good news, the rash is not contagious. Should blisters form (and they often do) the fluid within them is also not contagious. The itch can be intense.
These 7 easy remedies can help mitigate that.
Apply calamine lotion to the rash. It can help relieve itching and dry out the blisters. Keep the lotion in the refrigerator for an added cooling effect.
Taking an oatmeal bath can soothe itching and provide relief. You can put finely ground oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal (available in drugstores) in a muslin bag or tied-up sock and place it in the bathwater.
Dabbing diluted apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) on the rash can help alleviate itching and reduce inflammation. Avoid using it on broken skin.
Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water, and apply it to the affected area. Let it dry and then rinse it off with cool water. This can provide relief from itching.
Aloe vera gel has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply pure aloe vera gel to the rash several times a day for relief.
Witch hazel can help dry out the rash and reduce itching. Apply it with a cotton ball to the affected area.
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties. You can make a chamomile tea, cool it, and then use it as a compress or apply it to the rash with a cotton ball.
Cold compressed can also be a useful measure to reduced inflammation and improve itch. The use of anti-histamines somewhat debatable since the itch produced from poison ivy isn’t histamine derived.
The biggest concern when it comes to poison ivy, would be for a secondary bacterial skin infection. If there is skin breakdown this can allow bacteria to enter and cause cellulitis. Antibiotics are needed to treat this.
Call your doctor if you have any concern for infection. There is evidence that steroids are useful in treating severe dermatitis. Particularly when it involves the face or genital region. High potency topical steroids can be useful in mild cases.
Got a case of poison ivy? Don’t scratch just yet! Mother nature has her own remedies to soothe that itch. You’ll be back to pulling weeds in no time!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of content found on this blog.
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