How to Treat Poison Oak, Ivy and Sumac

Millions of Americans suffer each year from "contact dermatitis" due to exposure to poison oak, poison ivy or poison sumac. It normally takes at least three weeks for symptoms to completely disappear - so follow these steps to make yourself a little more comfortable.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mild Soap Such As Dishwashing Liquid
• Towels
• Towels
• Towels
• Oatmeal
• Sodium Bicarbonate (baking Soda)
• Calamine Lotions
• Alcohol

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

2. Soothe itching with cool, wet compresses.

3. Add ground oatmeal (approximately 5 cups) 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 rash open to air. That will help it heal.

7. Take an oral antihistamine if you are extremely uncomfortable or if the rash is covering a large area of your body.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful if your pets come in contact with poisonous plants. They are usually unaffected, but the oil sticks to their fur and can give you a rash.
• To prevent the severity of the rash next time you are exposed, gently rub alcohol or soap on exposed areas within 15 minutes of contact.
• Avoid topical antihistamines; they are not as effective 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.
• Never burn poisonous plants. The oils are carried in the smoke and it is dangerous to inhale them. If you inhale the fumes from burning poison oak, you should seek medical care right away. You should also see a doctor if the rash becomes infected, becomes very red and swollen, or does not appear to be improving after a few days of self-treatment.
• 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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[austinstar]

on 8/1/2009 Ah, the horrors of poison ivy/oak! I've been hospitalized from the worst rashes you can imagine. I finally met an e.r. nurse who told me the best treatment ever. It's a hair dryer! Yes, you need the Zanfel, the spray on cortisone, oatmeal etc., but the best thing ever is to apply hot air to the rash! Stops the itch IMMEDIATELY! It lasts for hours too. The weeping blisters are the worst, alcohol helps. Bad cases require you to stay home from work! There's no way to be productive with this stuff. Take Benadryl and sleep it off as much as possible.

[linusedwards]

on 2/27/2009 Washing the affected area as soon as possible is perfect. My husband has a pretty severe reaction to poison ivy. I've found what works best is washing immediately, or as soon as possible with dishwashing soap (the plant leaves an oily film on the skin and dish soap cuts through grease/oil) Afterwards, pat dry instead of rubbing, as this can irritate the affected area, and use paper towels to avoid any residue in your laundry. Oatmeal is great for soothing the itch and burn but don't put it in the bath-- mix a batch and apply it directly to the itchy spots. Save the rest in the fridge for the next application - use it cold and it will relieve symptoms even more. I tried this the first time because I had no clue what to do for him and it was spreading by the minute. I googled poison ivy and saw something about oatmeal so I asked him if he wanted maple or dino eggs. I never even thought to

[DCAkindaGuy]

on 6/24/2008 I have huge blisters from poison ivy on my ankles that are keeping me from wearing shoes and socks and going to work. How can I dry them up??
HELP!!!

[parvenue]

on 6/21/2008 Thanks. Going through my own maladies now. Swollen glands, pounding headache and itching. Yikes. I'll try what you suggest.

[slyv]

on 4/26/2008 For poison ivy, poison oak and sumac: For two miserable weeks of itching and red blisters the only products I found that really helped were zanfel and natural colloidal oatmeal. Zanfel is available at Wal-mart ($35.00 for 1 ounce but stops the itch in 30 seconds!!!!). Zanfel is much like a sugar scrub and is safe for children as well as pregnant and nursing women. The oatmeal is actually a soothing bath treatment in individual packages. I would mix half of a package at a time with a little warm water in a bowl making a paste then I would use
to cover the blisters. Both applications worked extremely well and gave me much needed rest during the night and quick relief!!!!! I used zanfel for the first 4 days to eliminate the itch then I was able to use the oatmeal to dry up the blisters during the last phase of this lovely experience. Remember, even this will pass!