Quick Home Cures for Poison Ivy

When poison ivy comes in contact with skin, an irritation called dermatitis is started. This condition causes the skin to become inflamed and can result in blistering and extreme itching. The active chemical in poison ivy that creates this condition is urushiol, which is a resin that is present in not only poison ivy but also in poison sumac and poison oak. Most poison ivy reactions aren't serious, but if the rash is widespread or does not improve after 2 weeks, visit your doctor.

Oatmeal and Baking Soda

• The heat and roughness of oatmeal works to soothe itching and relieve pain that is associated with poison ivy rashes. Oatmeal contains numerous vitamins and antioxidants that when applied to the skin are absorbed and work to relieve inflammation, itching and pain. Baking soda works to equalize acids on the skin, which will immediately begin to relieve itching and reduce blistering on poison ivy rashes.

  Bring one cup of oatmeal to a boil. Allow the oatmeal to boil for 3 minutes before removing from heat and placing into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the oatmeal and stir for several minutes. Once the mixture is at a comfortably warm temperature, apply directly to the rash. Allow the oatmeal to dry onto the skin before rinsing with warm water. Repeat as many times as needed for itch and pain relief.

Witch Hazel

• With hazel is commonly used to treat skin conditions due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. When used to treat a poison ivy rash, the nutrients within the liquid will immediately work to soothe itching and reduce the amount of swelling and blistering. Witch hazel also works as an astringent, which will help dry out poison within the skin and reduce the duration of the rash.

  Pour 2 tablespoons of witch hazel into a small container and dilute with 1 tablespoon of distilled water. Liberally apply directly onto the rash with a cotton ball. Repeat 3 to 5 times per day, depending on the severity of the rash. If blistering has occurred a mild burning sensation may happen, but as the solution dries, the stinging will stop.

Rubbing Alcohol

• According to the University of California's Dermatology Department, topical application of rubbing alcohol directly after skin contact with poison ivy will reduce the severity of the rash. The properties within rubbing alcohol work to draw out the toxins that have infiltrated the skin, which will either reduce or completely eliminate the rash depending on how quickly the solution is applied to the skin.

  Liberally apply rubbing alcohol directly to the skin that has been affected by poison ivy. This can be performed with either cotton balls or simply pouring rubbing alcohol onto the rash area. Immediately wash the area with warm water. If the poison ivy came in contact with clothing, drench the clothes with rubbing alcohol and wash as normal.