Alternative Treatment for Poison Ivy Oak & Sumac

Millions of people break out with poison sumac or poison oak each year. They are highly contagious rash-inducing plants that live in most states. The rash is typically red and can form small blisters or pustules on the skin. The rash easily spreads when the pustules break open and release the fluid inside from scratching. There are treatments for the rash to help soothe the itch and calm the rash.

Aloe Vera

• Aloe vera gel is most often thought of as a natural treatment for burns but it is also used in the treatment of poison sumac, poison oak and ivy. It includes the topical aloe vera that has the ability to penetrate all layers of the skin to get to the heart of the rash for fast relief. There is also a liquid form of aloe vera that you drink. The liquid form goes directly into your blood stream and tackles the rash from the inside. It can bring relief to the burning and itching quickly.

  When drinking aloe vera, it is recommended that you drink 3 tsp. three times a day. For aloe vera gel, apply a generous amount over the rash as needed. You may prefer to keep your aloe vera gel in the refrigerator to chill it. Keeping your gel cool can also give you added relief from the burning, itchy rash.

Oatmeal and Oatmeal Baths

• Oatmeal is a useful home remedy for poison oak and sumac. There are a few ways to use oatmeal with one being to make some oatmeal. Let it cool down, then spread it on the affected areas. If you have a lot of poison oak covering larger areas, pour three-quarters of a box of oatmeal into a warm bath approximately waist-high. Soak in the bath for a while to let the natural healing process have time to work.

  You should not dry off after the bath so that the oatmeal leaves a powdery covering on your skin. This will help to protect the skin and aids in stopping the itch. Applying an oatmeal paste directly on the skin over the outbreak will also help with itching and burning related to poison oak and sumac.

Other Remedies

• Several all-natural treatments can help with the itching and burning related to poison oak and sumac. One is witch hazel. Native Americans are known for using witch hazel for treat inflammatory skin problems. To use, dab some on the rash several times daily with a cotton ball. Witch hazel is a good drying agent and will help the pustules to dry up faster to promote healing.

  Tea tree oil is another all-natural product that can be used directly on the rash several times a day. Jewelweed, which is also known as impatiens or touch-me-nots, can be used to stop the itch related to rashes such as poison oak and sumac. It helps to dry up the blisters to aid in itch relief and faster healing. Use the leaves from the plant by rubbing them directly on the blisters. You can also use the juice from the stems of the plant by gently rubbing it directly into the skin several times a day.