Looking for a few great homemade remedies for poison ivy that can help relieve the itching and pain fast?
If you happen to be unlucky enough to be one of the millions upon millions who are allergic to poison ivy, you know all too well how painful the rash, bumps and itching can be. One thing is for sure, the three-leafed plant can leave you with more than a memorable experience of the great outdoors!
The sap from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac plants all cause similar reactions when they come into contact with a person’s skin. The allergy-causing sap can be found not only on the plant’s leaves, but also on its fruit, stems, and roots.
How You Get Poison Ivy Rashes
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac plants cause an allergic contact dermatitis rash. You can get redness and swelling along with blisters from coming into contact with the sap from these plants. The sap also causes severe itching as well, especially as the blisters start to heal.
The poisonous sap is odorless and colorless, but it is very sticky – and it spreads very easily. While direct contact is the easiest way to develop a rash, you can also get a reaction by touching something else that has the sap on its surface.
For example, if you are out taking your dog for a walk and it happens to rub up against poison ivy, the sap can transfer onto its fur. Which unfortunately, can then transfer to your skin when you pet or touch the dog’s fur.
In addition to pets, any tools, clothing, or other items that come in contact with the plant can also quite easily transfer the sap onto your skin. This is why it’s always important to be careful of washing clothes and other items after being around poison ivy.
Getting Poison Ivy – 4 Homemade Remedies For Poison Ivy That Work!
Not everyone will exhibit the same reaction when they come into contact with the poisonous sap. According to the American Skin Association, a whopping 85% of the human population will have an allergic reaction to poison ivy. And of those, 10% can have an extreme reaction.
For extreme cases, medical attention is often required. But for mild to moderate cases, there are some great homemade remedies that can help relieve the pain – and be easy on the pocket book too!
With that in mind, here is a look at exactly how rashes develop and progress – and four great ways to help relieve the pain with a DIY approach!
Homemade Poison Ivy Rash Remedies
For typical cases of poison ivy, these homemade remedies can help provide you with relief from both the pain and itching. They are safe, effective, and inexpensive to make. Best of all, the ingredients are often already in your pantry!
Baking Soda
This pantry staple can be put to so many different uses, and one of the best is helping to reduce the symptoms of poison ivy. Baking soda can be made into a paste that both soothes and helps to dry out a poison ivy rash.
Start by creating a paste by combining three teaspoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water. You want a nice and thick consistency that will not drip off when applied to your skin. Next, apply the paste to your rash so that it completely covers it. Allow the paste to dry naturally, and then carefully remove it.
You can also create a soothing bath with baking soda to help with itching and drying out. To make, add one-half cup of baking soda to a bath full of lukewarm water and mix well. Soak in the tub for around 10 to 15 minutes and then carefully pat yourself dry or drip dry.
Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal is well known for helping to relieve itchy, dry skin. It does this by forming a protective layer on your skin. This in turn helps to relieve inflammation as well as hold in moisture.
There are many commercial products on the market that include oatmeal as an ingredient. But you can use your basic morning breakfast oatmeal to make your own homemade remedy for poison ivy. There are actually two ways you can use oatmeal for fast relief.
The first method involves making a paste from uncooked, whole oatmeal and water. To do this, boil the oatmeal in water until it creates a paste-like consistency. Allow the mixture to cool so it’s safe to handle, then apply it directly to the rash. Leave it on for a few minutes and then take off.
The other way to use oatmeal is to create an oatmeal bath. Use uncooked, whole oatmeal and grind the oats in your food processor or blender. Blend until you create a powder-like consistency.
Next, fill your tub with lukewarm water. Add 1 cup of the oatmeal powder and stir well. Soak in the oatmeal bath for 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t soak too long because over-soaking can actually cause your skin to dry out and become even more irritated.
Make sure as you soak that all of the itchy, irritated skin is under the water if at all possible. After 10 to 15 minutes, get out and pat yourself lightly dry.
Aloe Vera
If your poison ivy rash has more of a burning sensation as opposed to itching, you can use aloe vera to give instant relief.
While aloe vera is often used for sunburn relief, it can also be quite effective in treating poison ivy rashes. Aloe vera provides the skin with a protective moisturized layer while having anti-inflammatory qualities as well. In addition, aloe vera helps to speed up the skin’s natural healing process.
If you have an aloe vera plant at home, simply cut off one of the leaves. Slice the leaf open and squeeze out as much of the gel-like liquid as possible. You can also purchase pure aloe vera if you don’t have a plant available. Affiliate Product Link: Organic Aloe Vera Gel from freshly cut 100% Pure Aloe
Apply the gel to your inflamed and irritated skin. You can also put the aloe vera in your refrigerator a bit before using to give your skin a nice cooling effect when applying.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many different anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve not only pain but also redness. But with poison ivy, it’s best to use it on slightly older rashes to help complete the healing process as opposed to using it on brand-new rashes.
On raw or freshly infected skin, it can actually cause the rash to be more painful for some individuals. Avoid using on skin that has open blisters and be sure to test a few drops on your skin before applying over a large area. You can also try diluting the vinegar with water if it is too strong.
To use, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and squeeze out the excess liquid. Gently dab it onto the affected area to help dry and heal older rashes fast.
Preventing Rashes
On a final note, when it comes to poison ivy and similar poisonous plants, prevention really is the key. If you have poison ivy on your property, there are some great ways to eliminate it to reduce the risk. See our article: How To Eliminate Poison Ivy! How to How To Kill Poison Ivy Safely & Naturally
Beyond that, always wear long clothing when you know you are going to be in locations that can harbor poison ivy and similar plants. When you return from these areas, promptly wash all exposed skin with hot water and soap. Also, wash all clothing worn in a separate load of laundry on the hottest cycle.
If you do come into contact with a poison ivy plant, washing off the sap with soap and hot water within five minutes of contact can help to avoid irritation and spread.
When You Get Poison Ivy – Homemade Poison Ivy Rash Remedies
If the inevitable still happens and you develop a rash, it usually takes about two weeks to heal. Be sure to avoid scratching any rashes since this will only cause more irritation to your skin. You cannot spread a poison ivy rash once all of the sap has been washed off.
Never pop any blisters that appear with a poison ivy rash. If your rash is on your face or around your eyelids, it’s best to make an appointment with your doctor. Also call if you have any rash that is severe or accompanied by fever, chills, or any signs of infections. Here is to summer poison ivy relief! Jim and Mary
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.
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