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Home Remedy for Getting Rid of Poison Oak or Poison Ivy Rash

Poison oak and poison ivy come from the same family of plants. They excrete urushiol oil, which most people are allergic to. Get it on your skin, and you're liable to end up with itching, swelling and a painful rash. Over-the-counter antihistamines can treat some of the symptoms, and you can speak to a doctor about corticosteroids or other medication, but a number of at-home remedies can treat the symptoms of poison oak or ivy as well.

  1. Colloidal Oatmeal Baths

    • Colloidal oatmeal differs from breakfast oatmeal in that you don't eat it; you place it in bathwater to help soothe your skin. It can be purchased at many drug stores and anywhere that sells bath products. Fill a tub with lukewarm water, then add 1 to 2 cups of it and mix it thoroughly. Soak in the tub for 20 to 30 minutes, then carefully step out and blot yourself dry with a towel. Don't rub your skin -- it will make the itching worse -- and make sure the water is lukewarm instead of hot. Repeat this several times a day for as long as symptoms persist.

    Calamine Lotion

    • Calamine lotion has been used as a remedy for skin conditions for many years. Its cooling properties constrict blood vessels near the skin, reducing the itch and keeping blisters from oozing. Apply it several times a day, though you should stop once the blisters no longer leak fluid. Similar topical medications include zinc oxide, witch hazel and baking soda mixed with a little water to form a paste. All of them dry out the skin without warming it, keeping the symptoms in check.

    Rubbing Alcohol

    • Rubbing alcohol works best in the early stages of a poison oak or poison ivy infection, before the symptoms have set in. Apply it to the affected areas, then let it dry for several minutes. It will leech up the urushiol oil and lessen the symptoms. Refrain from rubbing the alcohol in; it will spread the oil further. Once the rubbing alcohol has evaporated, wash the area thoroughly with clean water (don't use soap) and allow it to air dry.

    Cold Compresses

    • Cold compresses work well when you're out in the wilderness or don't have any other remedies nearby. Soak a washcloth in the coldest water you can find, or wrap it in ice if you have any. Gently apply it to the affected area and leave it there for 20 to 30 minutes. The cold temperature will close the blood vessels, reduce the swelling and control the itch. Refresh the washcloth whenever the water starts to warm up. Use this treatment several times a day until you get back to civilization.

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