Treating Poison Ivy with Home Remedies

Having poison ivy can be very miserable, but the itchy red rash will go away with a special touch from home.

Summertime... and everything that goes with it...camping, the beach, playing outside near the woods, or the river where children (and adults) play can mean the onset of an allergic reaction.

That's right, if you have come in contact with poison ivy (one of the most common causes of allergic rashes)then you might experience the red, itchy, irritating rash that is associated with it.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology the oil from poison ivy, oak and sumac produces a rash in up to 85% of the people whose skin touches and absorbs it. The rash is caused by a reaction to a chemical compound in the resin (which is found in all three plants called urushiol).

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are red, very itchy, pimple-like bumps which spread into an inflamed rash. Usually symptoms will begin within a few hours or sometimes even up to ten days after contact with the plant. When symptoms do appear the rash spreads quickly and scratching will cause it to spread even more. So don't scratch!

Be sure to look below at what the plant looks like plus what medical experts say to do when you are exposed...

Now, Let's take a look at some Home Remedies that can help prevent the spreading and relieve the painful itch:

Taking a shower and washing the skin (under fingernails, too) with soap and water is the bestmethod of removing the resin. Be sure to do this within 15 minutes of exposure.

Launder your clothing, gloves, shoes and anything else that may have come in contact with the plant. The urushiol can stay on things for up to 5 years! Make sure the gardening tools are cleaned thoroughly with rubbing alcohol.

Taking cool baths with oatmeal can help to soothe and cool any inflammation.

Cold compresses will help soothe any blisters that may form on your skin.

Apply the gel from an

aloe vera plant for a cooling relief. It will soothe and help dry up the rash.

Mix 3 tsp. each of cornstarch, baking soda, oatmeal or Epson salt with 1 tsp. of water to make a paste. Apply this over the irritated skin.

Taking vitamin C with bioflavonoids will help prevent infection, reduce swelling and the spreading.

Extra calcium and beta-carotene (found in carrots)will build the immunities while speed the healing of poison ivy.

Zinc will help repair the tissue of the skin.

The most common areas of the body exposed are usually the arms, legs and face. The intensity of the rash will depend on the sensitivity of the person and the extent of the exposure.

How can Poison Ivy be prevented?

The best way to prevent an outbreak is to completely cover the skin with clothing. Then the clothing must be removed, without touching the skin, and washed immediately.

Be sure to wear rubber gloves when around the plant. Don't wear latex gloves because the urushiol can penetrate through. Always seek medical attention if there has been exposure to the eyes or eyelids or if a honey-colored crust forms in any area.

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A Remedy To Remember: Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.