How to Stop the Oozing of Poison Ivy or Oak

Contact with poison oak or poison ivy can cause dermatitis in individuals sensitive to the toxic Urushiol oil contained in the plants. Dermatitis is an allergic reaction which can cause a mild to extreme reaction on the skin. Some people may experience only mild itching and irritation, while others may develop oozing blisters which are itchy, painful and prone to infection. The effects of poison oak or poison ivy generally appear within 10 to 15 minutes of contact with the plant and can last up to two weeks. Learn how to stop the oozing from poison oak or poison ivy contact to relieve itching and stop blisters from spreading.

Instructions

• 1

  Wash the affected area with soap and cold water. Gently bathe the skin rather than scrubbing the affected area, as vigorous washing can break open the blisters and cause more oozing.

• 2

  Prepare an Epsom salt wash to speed healing and stop the oozing of the rash. Combine two tablespoons of Epsom salt with a cup of cold tap water. Mix until all the salt has dissolved. Soak a soft white hand towel in the solution. Place the towel directly over the blisters and leave it there for several minutes. Allow the skin to air dry after the application, which will leave a salty residue that should not be rinsed off.

• 3

  Apply cool compresses to the blisters to aid in cooling and relieving the itching. This will help you avoid scratching the blisters so that healing can occur more quickly.

• 4

  Purchase an over-the-counter topical product designed to stop the itching of the rash and help dry out the blisters. Look for a product containing zinc oxide.

• 5

  Cover oozing blisters with loose, soft and clean bandages. This will help in preventing infection from developing in these areas of broken skin.