Whenever you enter a weedy patch, going for camping or exploring the fields, be careful of poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac plants which ooze out URUSHIOL (A colorless chemical oil) from any cut in the plant. The allergic Urushiol will cause rashes which can erupt into blisters.
The allergic reaction will vary from person to person. Some people will not get affected at all and the others may develop severe rashes and blisters.
You really don't have to get into a doctors clinic, most of the time simple home remedies will help in treating the itchy symptoms of the rash created by poison ivy.
What Does a Poison Ivy Rash Look Like?
Well, from small red rashes to filled blisters, the poison ivy rashes can be very painful and itchy. The sight of the rashes can sometimes be very nasty looking blisters. You can look at these poison ivy rash pictures for more visual understanding of how nasty the blisters can get.
We already know that any rash on the skin is itchy and irritating, but the poison ivy rash can go to the next stage and become blisters which ooze out fluid. that is even more painful.
If you plan to go to the woods or dreaming a camping outing then you must learn how to get rid of poison ivy rash.
The rushes appear within 2-3 days of coming in contact with Urushiol. Sometimes the traces of the chemical may remain on the clothing so you might get rashes or someone else can get rashes, if they come in contact with these rashes. Remember poison ivy rashes and blisters are not contagious. They are just itchy and painful.
In most cases the rashes disappear within 10- 14 days. What we need to learn is to understand how different remedies can reduce the itch of the rash and pain of the blisters.
Home Remedies for Poison Ivy Rash
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera gel a good pain relieving agent for many different types of skin rashes and conditions. It is also one of the potent gel to get relief from the poison ivy rash . Apply Aloe Vera gel on the affected area. It gives soothing feeling not only in these rashes but any other rashes and burns.
2. Wild Peach Tea
You can also use Wild Peach Tea for treatment of poison ivy rashes. Apply the wild peach tea natural extracts on the affected area of your skin. It has capabilities to quickly heal rashes, blisters, swelling and redness caused by poison ivy.
3. Oatmeal
Boil up some oatmeal in water as you normally would and let it cool for a few minutes. You can then then apply warm oatmeal to the affected area. Make a thick layer and let it dry and harden on the affected area of the skin. This immediately reduces the itch and also give pain relief.
4. Cucumber
Cucumber calms the poison ivy rash. You can apply cucumber in two different ways to get the same effect, but first of all, keep it in a refrigerator to become cool.
- Cut small (3-4 mm thick) slices of cucumber and apply them on the rashes. or,
- Mesh the cucumber to make a thick paste and apply on the poison ivy rashes.
Use, whichever method suits you.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda paste is another good remedy for poison ivy itch. Add one teaspoon of water to 3 teaspoons of baking soda to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on the affected area. It will immediately provide relief from the itch.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar acts completely differently than all the above remedies. It works on the toxin and pulls it out. Thereby not only reduces the itch, but also helps it heal faster.
7. Banana Peel
Rub the inside of the banana peel on the rashes. This will initially give cooling effect and then reduce the itch.
All the above items are usually available in most kitchens. Use any one or more of these to get rid of poison ivy rashes.
As with any such avoidable condition prevention is better than cure for poison ivy rashes. Wear the clothes that help avoiding the allergens to come in contact with your skin. When you return from the woods, make sure that the clothes go straight for washing and you take a good shower.
So avoid the exposure as the first choice but if you get the rashes then use any one or more of the poison ivy home remedies for relief.