How to Use Compresses to Treat Poison Ivy

Using cold compresses to treat the pain and itching from a poison ivy rash is one of the oldest and most effective treatments. While merely placing a cold wet cloth on a poison ivy rash can bring instant relief, you can add a variety of ingredients to the compresses for even better results.

Things You'll Need

• Cold, wet cloth
• Baking soda
• Epsom salts
• Jewelweed extract
• Domeburo tablets
• Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

1. Wipe the affected area with rubbing alcohol before you apply compresses to a poison ivy rash. This will help to remove some of the crust caused by the ooze from the blisters, and also help to reduce the chances of infection.

2. Use Domeboro powder or tablets, which can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies, and mix with cold water. Dip the cloth into the astringent mixture, which is also known as Burow's Solution, and apply it to the rash. Leave the compress on your skin for at least 15 minutes, and repeat the procedure at least twice a day.

3. Soak a cloth in cool water mixed with Epsom salts, using 2 tbsps. for every cup of water, and apply the compress to the affected area. The Epsom salts should soften any crust or residue that has been created from the oozing of the rash, and should relieve the itching for a short while. You may want to use distilled or purified water to reduce the chance of bacteria infecting the poison ivy rash.

4. Try a compress dipped in baking soda as an alternative to the Epsom salts or Burow's Solution compresses. Baking soda is also effective in reducing the hot, itching sensations caused by a poison ivy rash, and will help to dry up the excess crust and ooze as well. You can also combine baking soda and water together until it becomes a paste, and apply it directly to the rash.

5. Apply some jewelweed extract to the compresses for even better results. Jewelweed is a flowering plant, related to the impatiens, that frequently grows near poison ivy and is considered one of the most effective natural remedies to a treat poison ivy rash. Just place a few drops of the extract into any of the aforementioned compresses.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow a fan to blow on the affected areas while you use compresses to treat poison ivy. This will help to reduce the itching and dry some of the ooze coming off the rash.