How to treat Poison Ivy rash, quickly

How to quickly treat a Poison Ivy rash before the itching drives you crazy! The key is to catch it at the first sign of a rash.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water & soap
• Alcohol pads
• Hydrocortisone creme (1% strength plus moisturizer)
• Aloe Vera Lotion

1. Wash the infected area thoroughly for at least 1-2 minutes with COLD water and hand soap; gently cleaning the entire area and any other suspected rash areas. Do not use Warm to Hot water, as the warmer the water the more the itch will intensify.

2. Wipe the infected rash area thoroughly with as many Alcohol Pads (Isopropyl Alcohol Pads work best) as needed to soak the rash. Wipe the entire area and any other suspected rash areas. Alcohol is a drying agent that will draw out the Poison Ivy plant oils (really sap) that have gotten into your skin. The idea is to get rid of the oils (sap) that cause the rash and the itch in the first place; not to just cover it up with anti-itch creme.

3. Repeat Step 2 at least 3 or 4 times the first 1-2 days; followed by using 1% Hydrocortisone creme in between each alcohol treatment. Usually by the 3rd day the rash has subsided enough that you can repeat Step 2 only once or twice a day. If the itch has subsided, you can also stop applying Hydrocortisone creme in between alcohol wipes. Instead, apply Aloe Vera lotion frequently to help cool and heal your skin Remember, it's the Poison Ivy Oils (sap) that you need to get out of your skin to stop the rash and eventually the itch.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevention is the best way to ward off a Poison Ivy rash. If you realize that you've just come into contact with Poison Ivy, following Step One immediately. Hopefully, this would be enough to remove the Poison Ivy Sap before it gets into your skin and drives you crazy!!
• I've never found the old stand-by Calamine lotion to be very effective. Best to use Hydrocortisone creme in between alcohol wipes.
• Aloe Vera & vitamin E lotion will also help to cool and heal your skin. If you do develop any sores or scabs, do not pick at the scabs; but rather soften them with Aloe Vera & vitamin E lotions.
• Do not follow this treatment if you've had a Poison Ivy rash and have scratched open sores..unless you have an extremely high tolerance for pain. If this is the case, best to wash the infected area frequently with COLD water and anti-bacterial hand soap. Then cover lightly with Calamine lotion to help dry out and heal. Also use Aloe Vera & vitamin E lotion as noted above.