How to Treat Poison Ivy?

Greenery always makes a person happy but sometimes it can land you in trouble. The roadside wild plants commonly known as poison ivy contain urushiol that causes an allergic reaction when you touch it or brush against it.  Although it is not dangerous and the blister fades away in 5 to 6 days but the rashes and itching can make those days the longest. But the plus point is that it is not contagious. In this article, you will find some home remedies to treat poison ivy.

Causes of Poison Ivy:

These plants can be found anywhere in the backyards or parks. The leaves and stems of this plant contain a resign urushiol that can trigger inflammatory allergic reactions. When for the first time your skin comes in contact with this plant it can take a little time for the allergic reaction as the body is registering to the new sensitivity but once the person is sensitized then the coming days could be tough as poison ivy causes itching and rashes that later transform into blisters.

Symptoms of Poison Ivy:

• Redness
• Itching
• Rashes
• Blisters
• There is temporary thickening or scaliness of the affected skin.
• It causes swelling of the skin.

Home Remedies to Treat Poison Ivy:

1.) Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of Poison Ivy:

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar make it beneficial to treat poison ivy. It contains minerals like potassium which helps to reduce swelling and inflammation. The acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar detox the toxins.

Instructions:

• Take a cotton ball.
• Pour some apple cider vinegar on it.
• Apply on the affected skin.
• Do this 5 to 6 times daily.

2.) Aloe Vera to Treat Poison Ivy:

The antibacterial properties of Aloe Vera make it an amazing remedy to cure poison ivy by relieving the pain and itching. It helps to soothe the burn associated with the rash. It heals the infection and prevents further infections.When you will apply Aloe Vera it will give you a cooling and soothing sensation.

Instructions:

• Cut an Aloe Vera leaf into two halves.
• Extract the gel and apply on the rash.
• Apply it 3 to 4 times a day until you get relief.

3.) Baking Soda to Cure Poison Ivy:

Urushiol which causes poison ivy is very toxic in nature. The alkalinity of baking soda helps to take out the toxins. It is a good drying agent and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce itching and pain caused by poison ivy.

Instructions:

• Take 3 teaspoons of baking soda in a bowl.
• Add one teaspoon of water and make a paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected area.
• Wait for a few minutes so that it can dry.
• Rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process 2 to 3 times daily for better results.
• You can also put some baking soda in lukewarm water and take a bath to relieve itching and inflammation.

4.) Banana Peel to Get Rid of Poison Ivy:

The cooling properties of banana will give you instant relief from itching and inflammation caused by poison ivy.

Instructions:

• Peel a banana and apply the inside of the peel on the affected area.
• Let it be there for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Do this 3 to 4 times a day to heal fast.

5.) White Vinegar to Treat Poison Ivy:

The acidic properties of white vinegar help to cure poison ivy. White vinegar is a safe and nontoxic method to treat poison ivy. It dries the rash and reduces itching.

Instructions:

• Take half cup of water in a bowl.
• Add half cup of white vinegar to it.
• Mix the solution and keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours.
• Soak a clean cloth in the solution.
• Compress it on the affected area.
• Repeat the process twice for one week.

6.) Tea Tree Oil to Cure Poison Ivy Fast:

The antiseptic, anti-fungal and drying properties of tea tree oil help to reduce the rashes caused by poison ivy. It helps to relieve itching.

Instructions:

• Soak a clean cloth in tea tree oil.
• Dab it on the affected area.
• Do this 2 to 3 times daily.

7.) Oatmeal to Get Rid of Poison Ivy:

The phenol present in oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation. It has a soothing effect on the skin and helps to dry the rash. It also reduces itching.

Instructions:

• Take a cup of oatmeal and boil it.
• Apply the warm oatmeal on the affected area. Do keep it too warm otherwise it will burn your skin.
• Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and let it dry.
• Wash it off with lukewarm water.

8.) Alcohol to Treat Poison Ivy:

The disinfectant and soothing properties of alcohol sterilize the skin and prevent infection. It helps to dry the rash. As soon as you come in contact with the poison ivy rubbing alcohol can minimize the rash and itching.

Instructions:

• Soak a cotton ball in alcohol.
• Apply it on the affected the area.
• Wrap the area.
• Do this 2 to 3 times a day.

9.) Ayurveda Treatment for Poison Ivy:

This Ayurveda remedy will help to reduce the itching and inflammation caused by urushiol present in poison ivy.

Instructions:

• Take a large bowl.
• Add turmeric, manjistha powder, neem and fuller’s earth.
• Add water and make a thick paste.
• Apply it on the affected area.
• Leave it for about 15 to 20 minutes so that it can dry.
• Instead of using water to wash it massage some neem oil on it.
• Repeat the process twice or thrice a day.

10.) Potato to Get Rid of Poison Ivy:

The anti-inflammatory properties of potato soothe the skin by reducing itching and redness caused by poison ivy.

Instructions:

• Grind a potato to make a thick paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected area and wrap the area.
• Leave it for 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process 2 to 3 times to get relief.

11.) Plantain leaves to Treat Poison Ivy:

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of plantain leaves make it a good choice to treat poison ivy. Plantain leaves are good for the skin because of its coagulating properties.

Instructions:

Method 1:

Follow the steps given below:

• Chop some plantain leaves as they contain a lot of fluid.
• Rub the chopped leaves using your thumb so that the fluid comes out easily.
• Apply the fluid on the affected area.
• Do this 2 to 3 times a day.

Method 2:

Follow the steps given below:

• Boil a cup of water.
• Add chopped plantain leaves to it.
• Cover it with a lid and steep it for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Cool it and fill the tea in a spray bottle.
• Spray the liquid on the affected area to relieve pain.
• Do this on a regular basis.

Method 3:

Follow the steps given below:

• Grind some plantain leaves.
• Add bentonite clay and water to make a thick paste.
• Apply it on the affected area.
• Cover the area for about 2 to 3 hours.
• Rinse off with water.
• Repeat this on a daily basis for better results.

12.) Peppermint Oil to Treat Poison Ivy:

The antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties of peppermint oil make it a good remedy to treat poison ivy. The methanol present in peppermint oil help to reduce the pain and itching associated with rashes.

Instructions:

Method 1:

Follow the steps given below:

• Take a cup of cold water.
• Add peppermint oil to it.
• Soak a clean cloth in that water.
• Wrap it on the affected area.
• Leave for a few hours.
• Do this on a regular basis.

Method 2:

Follow the steps given below:

• Take 2 cups of green clay.
• Add one tablespoon of salt and few drops of peppermint oil.
• Make a thick paste by adding water.
• Apply the paste on the affected area.
• Leave it for 30 to 40 minutes.
• Rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process on a daily basis for better results.

 Tips to Prevent Poison Ivy:

• You should aware be aware of how poison ivy looks so that you can avoid contact with it.
• If you come in contact with this plant immediately wash your clothes.
• Try to wear long sleeves clothes and shoes when going out especially for trekking or camping.
• Do not scratch the rash.
• Apply calamine lotion if there is itching on the skin.
• Don’t touch the affected area with bare hands.
• You can apply hydrogen peroxide solution to reduce itching and redness.
• Take antihistamine pills to reduce itching and inflammation.
• You should never burn this plant as it spreads allergens in the air.