Getting Rid of the Itch with Poison Ivy Treatments

Poison ivy rash is a common occurrence among people who enjoy walking through dense, woody areas, especially children. While many people seek to avoid this annoying skin condition, sometimes, the situation cannot be helped – especially if they have no idea that they have already had a brush-in with the poisonous plant. Fortunately, there are different poison ivy treatments they can try at home if they prefer not to go to the doctor straight away.

Urushiol, a substance found in poison ivy, is responsible for causing the red rashes to appear on one’s skin. To prevent the rash from fully forming, one should be able to treat the infected area within 8 hours of contact with poison ivy. However, because not all people are aware of this, the realization only comes in when the rashes start appearing on their skin.

Before treating the rash, however, one needs to be positive that it is indeed poison ivy rash that has been contracted. Many people tend to get confused and automatically brand the allergy as poison ivy rash, when it could easily be chicken pox or impetigo, which will look similar on the outside. Once you have properly diagnosed yourself or your child with poison ivy rash, then you can consider the poison ivy treatments you can use to cure it.

Poison Ivy Treatments You Can Try

If the rash has already spread, a cold or wet compress will help soothe the itching. Apply this to the infected area for at least 15 minutes several times a day. For a more permanent effect, go to the drug store and get yourself an anti-itch cream – some popular brands include Caladryl and Calamine Lotion. Apply these on your skin, following the prescription guidelines, and this will surely ease the itching.

If the rash is more serious than the average, this is the time to try oral steroids, such as Orapred, or oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl. Take note that this is usually a last resort and should only be considered when the rash has spread to other parts of the body or if initial treatment does not cure it.

Keep the infected area clean and clear by regularly washing the skin with warm water and mild detergent. This will also somehow relieve the itch and prevent your pores to be clogged any further or accumulate dust or bacteria.

There are many poison ivy treatments that you can try, but as people have different bodily responses to treatments, there is always one or two that will suit you the most. The most important thing is to consult the doctor when your attempts to treat the rash fail. While the rash is common, treating it can be trickier that it appears.