How to Treat Poison Ivy with Water

There is no cure for relieving the allergic reaction to poison ivy, but by using this simple home treatment, you can relieve the itchy side effect of poison ivy for hours.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Rubbing alcohol
• Soap
• If affected areas are severe you may need medical attention.

1. DOUSE THE AREA WITH COOL WATER WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF CONTAMINATION.
   Most information states that plain cool water preferably from a hose within the first five minutes of exposure will neutralize the plant oil. The use of a little bit of water may actually serve to spread the oil around. The use of hot water or soap at this point will not be useful either. Hot water open pores of your skin thus making skin more susceptible to the oil. The soap may also serve to spread the oil.

2. AFTER INITIAL DOUSING, SCRUB AREA WITH SOAP AND WATER AS MANY AS THREE TIMES.

3. 
   Itch from poison ivy rash can be very intense.

   ONCE THE POISON IVY RASH APPEARS AND THE ITCHING STARTS,APPLY THE HOTTEST WATER THAT YOU CAN STAND TO THE RASH.
   It may take several days for the rash to appear. Once it does, it will begin to itch. To relieve these symptoms, immerse the affected areas into the hottest water that you can tolerate. The cells of you skin store histamine which is what causes your "itch." Heat releases the histamine from the cells and it takes the cell another 8 hours to replenish it's supply. So, when you immerse the affected area with hot water, you will experience an intense itch which quickly subsides and provides you GREAT RELIEF for about 8 hours.
   
   If you experience a more severe reaction, then seek medical attention!

Tips & Warnings

• The oil from poison ivy can spread very easily if not neutralized. If it is present on your clothes, shoes, hiking equipment, pets, or even on the dead poison ivy plant, it can spread to your skin. It is important to douse any suspected carriers of the oil with a hose especially before taking it into your house. After the intial dousing of water, take some rubbing alcohol and wash these items with that as an extra measure.
• Hot water may help you feel an intense relief of the poison ivy rash, but BE CAREFUL NOT TO BURN YOURSELF. A burn may make the area more susceptible to infection.
• Learn to identify poison ivy. Remember, leaves of three, let them be.

Resources

• Health Encyclopedia- Diseases and Symptoms. www.HealthCentral.com
• Poison Ivy Treatment Guide. Outsmarting Poison Ivy by Vincent Iannnelli, M.D. (June, 2008). www. About.com: Pediatrics.
• Urushiol -induced contact dermatitis. www. LuMriX.net

[lynsuz12]

on 9/18/2009 Great tip. 5*

[lighthouse1958]

on 8/31/2009 I have had this several times in my life time. It is a itcy situation. Thanks for the information. 5*

[mrhow-to]

on 8/26/2009 Good tips, I got it really bad when I was young and now don't seem to get it as bad. 5*

[joanhaines]

on 8/25/2009 Aaaaaack! Poison ivy is the worst. I get pretty severe reactions to it. this is good to know.

[sallyemaycreate]

on 8/25/2009 Excellent information and tips! Thanks... 5*****