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Homemade Cures for Poison Ivy

Poison ivy and poison oak create rashes, blisters and horrible itching when they brush up against bare skin. Their leaves and stems are coated with urushiol oil, to which most people are allergic. That's why scratching a poison ivy itch only makes things worse; it spreads the oil further across the skin. Numerous forms of medication exist to treat poison ivy rash, from calamine lotion to corticosteroids prescribed by a doctor. You can apply home remedies to the problem as well using common ingredients to help soothe the rash and itching.

  1. Baking Soda

    • Baking soda helps the blisters dry up and heal, which reduces the itching considerably. You can apply it topically by adding 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, then mixing it to form a paste. Gently apply the paste to the rash and keep it there until it dries. Another option is to draw a bath, then add half a cup of baking soda and blend it thoroughly with the water. This works best with areas of widespread rash on the body. Soak in the bath for 15 to 30 minutes and use cool or lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water exacerbates the poison ivy symptoms.

    Oatmeal

    • Colloidal oatmeal is sold for treating skin conditions, but you can use the breakfast kind in a pinch. Cook it up and apply it to the rash until it cools and hardens. It will draw out the oozing blisters and reduce the rash. You can also use it in a bath as you would with baking soda. Fill the tub with cool or lukewarm water, adding 1 cup of oatmeal as the water rises. Blend it thoroughly, then soak in it for 15 minutes to half an hour. Avoid using oatmeal with flavorings such as maple syrup or apple for these treatments; just the pure, unblemished variety.

    Cold Compresses

    • Cold compresses are the simplest home remedy there is, requiring nothing more than ice, cold water and a soft wash cloth. They work particularly well if you're camping or don't have access to other types of remedy. Drench the cloth in water and wrap it around some ice, then hold it carefully against the rash for 15 to 30 minutes. By cooling the skin down, it causes blood vessels near the surface to contract, which reduces oozing and helps with itching. Add more ice or dip the cloth in cold water as needed.

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