Insects, Ivy, & Investigations by Tonya Kappes

Learn more about these oils and how to use them on irritated skin. Several other essential oils, including calendula, chamomile, and eucalyptus may be helpful for reducing symptoms of poison ivy rash. You can buy OTC products with this ingredient, or you can make your own with peppermint essential oils.īe sure to dilute the essential oil in a lotion or oil so it does not irritate the sensitive skin. Organic compounds from peppermint have a cooling effect on irritated skin. Some home remedies can help reduce irritation and itching while the rash is healing. Take frequent warm baths in water containing an oatmeal product or apply cool, wet compresses to help relieve the itch. You may even develop an infection if you break the skin, causing itching to intensify. While it may bring immediate comfort, scratching will only prolong symptoms. Scratching the rash will only make things worse. Apply drying lotionĪpply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream topically to stop the itching. Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine can help relieve itching and allow you to sleep more comfortably. Although the rash can’t spread, the oil that caused it can. This may help remove some of the oil and lessen the severity of your reaction.Īlso, be sure to wash the clothes you were wearing, along with anything that may have touched the plant. Immediately wash any areas of your skin that might have touched the plant. If you’ve come into contact with poison ivy, here’s what to do: Wash your skin and clothes If this happens, you may need a prescription antibiotic. Rarely, you can also develop a bacterial infection at the rash site.

Widespread poison ivy rashes may require treatment with a prescription corticosteroid. Most cases of poison ivy don’t need to be treated by a doctor.

the rash covers a large area of your body.

However, you should go to the emergency room for urgent medical care if: Poison ivy doesn’t have a cure, but even left untreated, it will eventually clear on its own within two to three weeks. You can usually treat the rash yourself at home. If you’ve gotten a rash despite your best efforts to avoid the plant, there are things you can do.

Insects, Ivy, & Investigations by Tonya Kappes