What Helps With Poison Oak?

Poison oak creates maddening itches and a terrible red rash whenever it comes into contact with skin. The best treatment is simply to avoid it in the first place, but if you brush up against it, a few medications can help.

Tecnu

• Tecnu helps eliminate urushiol oil, which poison oak excretes and which causes all the trouble. Wash any exposed skin with it as soon as possible after exposure.

Colloidal Oatmeal

• A lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal moisturizes the skin and keeps the symptoms of poison oak in check.

Calamine Lotion

• Calamine lotion or any lotion that contains menthol helps soothe the skin, reducing the itching of poison oak.

Antihistamines

• Poison oak symptoms are an allergic reaction, which means that over-the-counter antihistamines can be effective in treating it.

Cold Compresses

• If you don't have access to other medications, wrap some ice in a washcloth or soak the cloth in ice water, then apply it to the poison oak rash. It will cool down the skin and reduce the symptoms.