Poison ivy rash can be very uncomfortable, especially if it covers a large area of your body. While there’s no way to get rid of a poison ivy rash immediately, there are several treatments that can help relieve the itch. GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, shares six treatments that will relieve poison ivy symptoms fast.
Treatments for Poison Ivy Rash
Calamine lotion has been around for a long time because it works wonders to stop itching. As it dries on the skin, it creates a cooling sensation that can quickly relieve itching. It also helps to dry out blisters and protect skin from further injury caused by scratching.
Oatmeal baths are another home remedy with a long history of treating itchy skin. Colloidal oatmeal helps relieve minor skin irritation and itching, including itchiness from poison ivy. You can make an oatmeal bath at home using any uncooked, unflavored oatmeal.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that helps relieve allergy symptoms, like itching. However, it doesn’t work very well when it comes to itching from poison ivy rash. The sedating side effects of diphenhydramine can be helpful when you’re trying to go to bed.
Hydrocortisone cream is a topical corticosteroid that’s available OTC as a lotion or ointment. Steroid creams lower inflammation and swelling, which helps relieve itching and other poison ivy symptoms. You can apply hydrocortisone cream to your rash up to four times a day for a week.
Cold temperature can temporarily numb nerve endings in the skin, which will relieve itching. Try soaking a washcloth in cold water, wringing it out, and gently applying it to your itchy skin for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Burow’s solution is an OTC astringent that contains aluminum. It can help keep your rash clean and dry when poison ivy blisters pop and start to weep. You can use a Burow’s solution soak three to four times a day.
Preventing the Spread of Poison Ivy Rash
Poison ivy rash spreads when the oil from the plant touches your skin. The rash isn’t contagious, so once you get rid of all traces of the plant oil, the rash shouldn’t spread. The oil from poison ivy can stick to the skin, under fingernails, on clothing, and pet fur.
To prevent a poison ivy rash from spreading, make sure to wash your clothes and any items that may have come into contact with the plant oil. You should also wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water after exposure to poison ivy.
When to Seek Medical Care
Most of the time, poison ivy rash can be treated at home. However, there are some cases where it’s best to see a healthcare professional. You may need to take oral steroids if the rash is very large or involves a sensitive area like the face, hands, feet, or groin.
You should also get medical care if you think your skin might be infected. Scratching itchy skin can introduce bacteria that cause infection. See your healthcare professional if the rash is getting worse or has yellow or thick drainage (pus) coming from it.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
