Poison Ivy: Cures for the Itch

Poison ivy's itch is by far the most maddening of its symptoms. Usually, the rash, blisters and swelling can be endured until they fade (most symptoms go away after a week or so), but the itch often makes the other symptoms worse. Scratching can spread the ivy's urushiol oil, the cause of the allergic reaction, and can irritate the blisters and other problems. Besides exercising willpower to stop scratching, you can try a number of methods to keep the itch from driving you mad.

Calamine Lotion

• Calamine lotion and similar medications, such as zinc acetate, help dry out the blisters caused by poison ivy; this reduces their itchiness and helps soothe the skin. Many doctors recommend applying calamine lotion three to four times a day; stop using it once the blisters stop leaking fluid.

Antihistamines

• Poison ivy is an allergic reaction, so antihistamines that you might take for hay fever and other allergies often work. Antihistamines block the chemicals in your body that cause the allergic reaction, coating the cell receptors and preventing itching and swelling. Doctors often recommend brands such as Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton, but any oral antihistamine should bring relief from the itching.

Cold Compresses

• When your skin's surface temperature cools, blood vessels shrink and reduce the spread of fluid; this, too, reduces itching. Cold compresses are ideal for situations when you don't have access to medication. All you need is a washcloth and some ice or very cold water. Soak the cloth until it's thoroughly cold, wrapping ice cubes inside if possible. Then press the cloth gently against the affected spot and hold it there for 15 to 30 minutes. Refresh the cloth with ice or cold water and repeat as needed.

Oatmeal

• Colloidal oatmeal--not to be confused with the breakfast cereal --helps dry the fluids from blisters while soothing the skin's surface. Mix a cupful into a bathtub of cool or lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, which expands the skin's blood vessels and raises the body's temperature. Let yourself soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Step out of the tub carefully--colloidal oatmeal is slippery--and use a soft towel to dry yourself. Blot the water off your skin. Rubbing will make the itching worse. The treatment should be good for two to four hours; take another oatmeal bath if necessary.