- Several types of over-the-counter treatments can help reduce the itching. The Mayo Clinic recommends hydrocortisone and similar corticosteroid creams. (In extreme cases, your doctor can provide a prescription for more potent corticosteroids.) Calamine lotion helps soothe skin too, and creams with menthol often work as well. Oral antihistamines, used to control allergies, are another good medication.
- Whatever you do, don't scratch at a poison ivy itch; you'll only make the problem worse. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac excrete urushiol oil, which most people are allergic to and which creates the itch in the first place. When you scratch at it, you spread the oil further across your skin, expanding the rash. As tempting as it may be, don't give in. You can prevent the problem in the first place by covering your arms and legs while walking in areas containing poison ivy and thoroughly washing with soap and water afterwards.
- Colloidal oatmeal (not to be confused with the kind you eat) is an excellent way to soften the skin and keep the itching to a minimum. Run a bath of cool water (not hot water as heat dries the skin, which increases itching). Add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal while the water is running. Get in and allow yourself to soak for 15 to 30 minutes. When you're done, gently dab yourself dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing. (Rubbing irritates the skin.) Colloidal oatmeal should provide several hours of relief, and you can always take more baths if you need to.
- The simplest method of treating poison ivy involves just a washcloth and a measure of ice and/or cold water. Soak the cloth in the water or wrap the ice in it, then gently press it against the spot infected by the poison ivy. Hold it there for 15 to 30 minutes or until the water warms up. Then refresh the washcloth and repeat the process as necessary several times a day. It keeps the skin cool and hydrated, which reduces itching.
