About two million Americans break out with a poison ivy rash every year, and some experience more severe symptoms such as cramps, diarrhea, and swelling of the throat. For the inflammation, itching, and blistering, there are safe, natural poison ivy remedies, topical treatments which can bring relief and speed the healing process.
Poison Ivy Facts
The poison ivy plant is closely related to poison oak, and poison sumac. All three are found growing across North America, from suburbia to deep in the forest, although poison ivy is more commonly found in the eastern half of the United States, poison oak in the western half, and poison sumac, near swamps and wetlands. As they create a similar reaction, and generally respond to the same poison ivy remedies, all three plants are sometimes simply called poison ivy.
A poison ivy rash is a negative reaction to the toxin urushiol, which is found in the oily sap of the leaves, stems, flowers, and root. The immune system responds to this potent allergen, and causes itching and redness, followed by blisters, swelling, and sometimes a fever. The poison ivy rash is not contagious, although itching the oozing blisters can spread the poison to other parts of the body. Topical treatments can benefit a poison ivy victim, although it is also important to supply the body with adequate nutrition, fluids, and fresh fruits and vegetables to help eliminate the poison.
The majority of people are sensitive to urushiol, although children are much more susceptible than adults to contracting a poison ivy rash. Once an immunity is built in the body, the sensitivity goes away permanently. Urushiol is extremely powerful; even indirect contact with clothing that has brushed against poison ivy can cause a reaction. Fortunately, most people have poison ivy remedies lying around the house.
Simple Poison Ivy Remedies
- Apple cider vinegar can be dabbed on the affected area throughout the day to neutralize the effects of urushiol. Vinegar will sting at first.
- Make an oatmeal paste by mixing dry oats with water, then delicately rub onto the poison ivy rash. Oats are rich in soothing saponins, skin-repairing silica, and nerve-nourishing B vitamins. Also, an oatmeal bath in tepid water will help relieve the itching and keep moisture within the skin.
- Aloe vera gel will also provide cooling relief for the itching and burning, reduce the inflammation, and protect the skin from infection. Apply as needed.
- Black tea bags, soaked in water and then cooled, can act as a soothing antiseptic for the poison ivy rash.
- Honey is also beneficial for healing. If possible, mix with golden-seal powder to help reduce the inflammation at the same time.
- Tea tree oil is an incredibly potent antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic cleansing agent. It both helps to remove dead tissue and protect the new healing tissue at the same time.
- Soak in cool or tepid water with epsom salts and a few drops of calming lavender essential oil.
How to Use Topical Treatments for a Poison Ivy Rash
Poison ivy remedies range from oatmeal to epsom salts, but which is the best one to use? People react differently to different topical treatments, just as people have varied reactions to poison ivy in the first place. The best thing to do is to try one to three at a time, for example aloe vera gel for relief along with tea tree oil to protect against infection, followed by a soothing oatmeal bath in the evening, then monitor the body's reaction. All of these poison ivy remedies are safe and natural, so experimenting with different salves and oils will not result in negative side effects.
In cases of a severe reaction to poison ivy, consult a physician. Topical treatments can help a poison ivy rash and aid the healing process, but they are not sufficient for high fevers, difficulty breathing, and general malaise.
Sources:
Balch, Phyllis A. " Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Page, Linda. "Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone." Eleventh Edition (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).
The Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Information Center
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