Things You'll Need:
- Calamine lotion
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Step 1
Determine whether you've come in contact with the poison ivy plant before you use calamine lotion. Poison ivy is distinguished from other similar plants such as kudzu and boxelder maple by its clusters of three leaves. These clusters alternate along the vine, and there are no thorns on the plant. In addition, poison ivy plants sport whitish-grey berries in the cooler months.
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Step 2
Remove your clothing as soon as possible after coming in contact with poison ivy, and wash the affected areas in cold, soapy water in order to remove as much of the plant's oils as possible from your skin. This will help to reduce the intensity of the rash. Wash your clothing in hot water and bleach immediately in order to remove the oils once you have attended to your skin.
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Step 3
Apply calamine lotion liberally to treat the affected areas. Don't work the lotion into your skin until it vanishes, since calamine lotion is designed to dry on your skin in a protective layer. This cools the skin and causes the pores to constrict, which will limit the amount of oil that will be absorbed.
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Step 4
Treat the affected areas with calamine lotion 3 to 4 times per day. Allow the calamine lotion to dry completely before you cover the area with clothing. Calamine lotion is usually effective in reducing the oozing of the the rash that can cause clothing to stick to your body.
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Step 5
Use calamine lotion to treat a rash caused by poison ivy until the oozing stops and the affected areas begin to heal. Continuing to use calamine lotion after the blisters and oozing ceases may cause your skin to dry out excessively, which may cause the itching to return.
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Step 6
Use calamine lotion that may have zinc or rubbing alcohol added to provide further relief from itching. Avoid topical creams which may contain antihistamines, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people and worsen the rash considerably.
