4 Things to Do for Poison Ivy Treatment at Home

March 20, 2023

Eighty-five percent of people will get dermatitis (a rash) from urushiol, which is the oil associated with poison ivy. Around 10 to 15% of people will need a prescription like steroids to manage symptoms. Drying up that oil is essential to prevent it from being spread on your body or to other people. The first thing you should do when you’ve been exposed is wash the area with soap and water with the friction of a cloth and wash anything else that has come in contact with the plant in soap and water. If a rash does appear, you can learn how to treat it from Dr. Easton, or you can keep reading to learn 4 things you can do for poison ivy treatment at home.

1. Use an OTC Cream or Ointment

A simple poison ivy treatment you can do at home is grab an over-the-counter cream or ointment. Within the first few days after exposure, you can use a Cortizone cream. Calamine lotions or any creams containing menthol will also help with the pain and itchiness until the rash goes away. In conjunction with over-the-counter cream or ointment, you can also use specialized topicals Technu or Zanafel, which you should use soon after being exposed.

2. Take Lukewarm Baths

When a rash from poison ivy appears, it will be itchy and uncomfortable. A soothing treatment you can do to help with the itchiness is take a lukewarm bath or submerge the part of your body with rash in lukewarm water. You can even do an oatmeal bath to help with the irritation. You don’t want to do hot water because it will add to the pain and irritation, and cold water won’t soothe the area.

3. Take OTC Medication

Some popular over-the-counter medications you can use include Benadryl or other antihistamines.

If you want to boost your immune response to the rash, you can always pick up oral supplements. Some of our recommendations include vitamin C or All Clear.

4. Create Your Own Cream

Another option you have for poison ivy treatment at home is to make your own cream! Here’s the recipe we use in the pharmacy:

• 1 Tbsp baking soda (neutralizes to help itch and inflammation)
• Just enough filtered water to create a paste
• 1/4 tsp alcohol (drying agent)
• 1 tsp salt (drying)
• 1/4 tsp hydrocortisone calamine
• 5 drops of lavender oil

Mix the baking soda and filtered water until a past forms. Then add alcohol, salt, and hydrocortisone calamine and mix. Then add lavender oil. Use a cold compress multiple times a day and prior to applying mixture

Now you know about some of the best at-home poison ivy treatments you can try to deal with the rash. If you need to pick up any over-the-counter medications or don’t want to create your own cream, come on in and we will get you set up! Have questions about any of these treatment options? Get access to the best health care from the comfort of your home with a telemedicine consult, and we will be happy to answer any questions you have!