How to Take The Itch Out Of Poisonous Plants

Poisonous plants like poison ivy, poison sumac or poison oak are growing in our play space.
It's camping season do you know what the poisonous plants look like? Before you head out to pitch that tent or set up your RV it's good to familiarize yourself so you don't bring more back from your camping than a good time.
Let me share some tips about taking the itch out of the poisonous plants.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• cold water
• soap
• lotions
• oatmeal bath
• antihistamine

1. 
   Wash clothes

   If you think you might have had contact with a poisonous plant while camping or weeding the flower garden get the gloves, clothes and shoes off immediately. Throw them in the washing machine to wash off the oils from the plants. Wash your skin with cool water and soap. Don't forget to get under your fingernails. They get so dirty while working in the flower garden or vegetable garden and make it so easy to spread the oils from the plants.

2. If you don't get all the oils from the poisonous plants off and you do get those nasty blisters apply cold wet compresses it helps take the itch out.

3. 
   Calamine lotion

   There are different over the counter lotions you can try such as calamine or hydrocortisone creams. Follow the directions on the package.

4. 
   Bath

   You can try soaking in a finely ground oatmeal and baking soda bath. Don't make the water to hot as it will make the itch worse. Cool water is the best. Aveeno and other companies have ready made products to use. Find the one that works best for you and your family.

5. 
   CVS Itch relief

   Benadryl and CVS pharmacy have itch relief gels you can put on the poison blisters to relieve the itch. Again follow instructions on the package so you don't overdose on antihistamine product.

6. 
   Antihistamines

   Off course then there are oral antihistamine products. It might make you sleepy but will help the itch. Taking at bedtime helps some people sleep better.

7. 
   Doctor

   If none of these things help, you may have to see your doctor.

Resources

• Aveeno Skin Care
• Walgreens_Calamine lotion

[nicisman08]

on 7/18/2009 Excellent detailed article. Very helpful and very informative steps. Thanks. This is well needed. 5 stars and a recommendation. Very valuable concerning treating poison plant itches.

[waters]

on 7/18/2009 Good tips on how to take the itch out of poisonous plants.

[sonni57]

on 7/12/2009 Good tips on what to do when we encounter poisonous plants.

[doban]

on 7/10/2009 Right now I am having to take prescription cortisone and antibiotics due to a bad contact with a poisonous plant. Your tips are good. The picture of the poison ivy is good too for anyone who does not recognize it.