How to Treat Poison Oak

Poison oak is found mainly in the western and southwestern United States, Canada, and Mexico. Exposure of the skin to poison oak results in contact dermatitis - usually an itchy rash that takes at least three weeks to disappear. These steps can help make the waiting period a little less uncomfortable.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Oatmeal
• Epsom Salts
• Baking Soda
• Calamine Lotions
• Cold Compresses
• Poison Oak-ivy Protective Lotion
• Poison Oak-ivy Soap
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Soap
• Baking Soda
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Soap
• Epsom salts

1. Immediately wash everything that might have touched the plant. You may be able to remove the offending oil completely or at least reduce the impending rash.

2. Soothe itching with cool, wet compresses.

3. Add approximately 5 c. ground oatmeal or baking soda to a cool bath and soak for 15 to 30 minutes.

4. Add baking soda or Epsom salts to your bath, or make a paste of either of these and apply it to the rash.

5. Opt for lotions containing calamine, alcohol and zinc acetate; these will dry the blisters and help speed healing.

6. Leave the rash open to the air. That will help it heal.

7. Talk to your doctor about taking an oral antihistamine if you are extremely uncomfortable or if the rash is covering a large area of your body.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid topical antihistamines; they are not as effective as oral ones and can cause a rash of their own in some people.
• Wash all clothing, tools and anything else that came in contact with the plant. The oil can remain active for a long time on inanimate objects.
• Avoid breaking the rash blisters. They can become infected if you do.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 11/22/2005 I tried all sorts of remedies, then I went to WalMart and I saw this tube of Zanfel. It costs $34.00 a tube, but it is worth every penny. It works. It has granules in it, you wet it, rub it in your hands for 10 seconds and then rub on the affected areas. The itching quits in a matter of 15 seconds and the areas begin to fade away in a few hours. I would recommend this to everybody.

on 11/22/2005 If the spot itches, don't scratch it with your hands. Take a sock, or a thick fabric, and rub the spot gently.

on 11/22/2005 Give 2 tablespoons of Certo liquid pectin in 6-8 ounces of orange juice once per day. You will notice a large difference by the next morning. My son had it bad enough that we had to take him to the doctor, and the prescriptions took almost a week to work. A friend suggested this, and the next time my son got poison oak, we tried it. In 2-3 days, it was gone. We have found that it only works with Certo liquid pectin.

on 11/22/2005 Applying heat to the affected area via hot water or a heated surface (e.g. heat pad) will effectively relieve itching for up to 3 hours... To prevent spreading of the oils, wash area first with a strong oil cutting soap such as Fels Naptha.

on 11/22/2005 clothing articles and other items may hold the rash-causing oil of this plant, (urushiol), for up to 5 years. Everything must be washed.