How to Cure and Get Rid of Poison Ivy Rash Fast – Natural Home Remedies for Poison Ivy Rash

Poison ivy is a very dangerous plant that causes severe skin irritation to anyone upon contact with it. Every person reacts differently, so the severity of the rash also varies. If proper measures are not adopted, then getting rid of poison ivy rashes can be very hard. This article includes some best tips and natural home remedies on how to treat, cure and get rid of poison ivy rash fast.

What is Poison Ivy?

Poison ivy is a shrub-type plant that is widely found in almost all parts of the world, but it is mainly found in eastern United States. Poison ivy belongs to cashew plant family and its scientific name is Toxicodendron radicans. Most of the plants of this family generate a chemical called urushiol, which is an irritant. Urushiol causes skin problems by forming red rashes, bumps and too much discomfort.

There are some other trees that also produce urushiol, these are called poison oak and poison sumac. Urushiol tends to absorb in the body within minutes after exposure and skin rashes may develop after a day or two. These rashes may remain for at least three weeks and become worse in case they spread to different parts of the body.

How Long Does Poison Ivy Last?

The level of sensitivity of the person to the plant varies differently as poison ivy rash may appear after 2 to 3 hours or as late as 6 to 9 days after exposure to the plant. The allergic reaction can be prompted by direct contact with any part of poison ivy plant. It also spreads through indirect contact through animal fur etc.

How to Cure and Get Rid of Poison Ivy Fast

Here we will learn some tips and measures to get rid of poison ivy rash quickly.

Wash the Affected Area

The very first step one should do after having contact with the plant, is to wash the affected area thoroughly. This is necessary to avoid the absorption of urushiol by the skin because once it enters into the skin, it is difficult to get rid of the rashes quickly. You can use alcohol to clean the affected area and then wash it with cold water. Don’t use soap, as it may spread the oil to other parts of the body.

Remove the Affected Clothes

Take off all the clothes worn during exposure with the plant and clean them properly as these may contain some amount of urushiol.

Identify the Poisonous Plants and Avoid Them

The best way to prevent poison ivy rash is to identify the poisonous plants and avoid contact with them. Keep in mind that indirect contact with urushiol oil through pet’s fur, clothes, and gardening tools that are contaminated with the toxin may also results in skin rash.

Educate your kids about the harmful effects and allergies of poison ivy, so that they may not come into contact with this toxic plant. Try to use outfits that will cover your whole body when you are walking in a lush green, bushy areas.

Over the Counter Medicines

One may need to use seek medical help in case the rash is severe. There are some creams called corticosteroid creams, that may be used to relieve the itching and soothe the rash. Antihistamine tablets may also be used to decrease the itchiness. Sometimes oral corticosteroid tablets which work similar to corticosteroid creams can also be used. However, one should always consult a physician before using any of these medications.

Natural Home Remedies for Poison Ivy Rash

There are many home remedies for poison ivy rash to cure of this condition and soothe the itching caused. Some of them are mentioned below:

Aloe Vera Gel

It is the best home remedy for skin allergies. Aloe vera gel soothes the rash, helps in healing and gives cooling relief to the affected area.

Banana Peel

This home remedy is also best to cure the itchiness. Rub the banana peel gently on the affected area, and you will get a cool feeling.

Calamine Lotion

This is another popular method for relieving the itching of poison ivy rash. Apply the solution to the affected area, and it will leave a powder-like form when it dries.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is the best cure for poison ivy rash. For this, prepare an oatmeal like usually prepared for breakfast and allow it to cool down. Then, apply it to the affected area and leave it to dry.

Baking Soda

Another effective remedy for poison ivy is usage of baking soda. Make a paste by mixing three parts of baking soda with one part of water. Apply this mixture topically on the affected skin areas.

Jewelweed

The juices obtained from the stems of the jewelweed plant, can heal the rashes within very quickly.

Honey

Honey is also believed to be the best poison ivy treatment. Applying honey to the rash will not only relieve the burning sensation, but will also help reduce the itching caused due to it.

Epsom Salt

Take some Epsom salt and make a paste out of it by adding water in it. Apply this paste on the skin rash. This will help you eliminate the complications of poison ivy and oak.

Lemon Juice and Turmeric

Take one tablespoon of turmeric powder and mix it with equal part of lemon juice. Apply the paste on the affected area and let the paste dry. After some time, you will notice the magical effect of this paste.

Disclaimer: The tips and home remedies for poison ivy rash provided in this article are solely for educating purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.