Poison Ivy is a plant that is to be seen through most of North America and is available in two main varieties – Western, or Pacific, and Atlantic.
The concern with Poison Ivy, which grows as ground cover and can grow into large bushes, is that it contains an oil – Urushiol – that, when it comes into contact with our skin, causes very unpleasant blistering and irritation.
It is imperative to understand that the poison ivy oil occurs not just in the leaves but in every part of the plant, including the root and the stem, and it is the immune system pushing against the
poison ivy, as it seeps into the skin, that is the root of the pain we undergo.
Why Poison Ivy is poisonous. It may seem odd to us that at plant should be poisonous, but like most living things Poison Ivy has its position in the ecosystem. The way poison ivy grows is a clue as it gives shelter for lower growing plants and ground dwelling animals, and the majority of them are, unlike humans, not affected by the oil. Plus, Poison Ivy bears berries that are an important foodstuff for a number of bird species.
How to know the symptoms and more about poison ivy’s urushiol oil?
The patient will very quickly undergo irritation in the skin when infected by poison ivy, in company with severe itching and inflammation in the infected area. The skin will become discoloured and a burning irritation will occur, and in a short period blisters will form along with the rash. Suffering can go on for many weeks or may be finished within days, and an individual case is different. It is suggested that cooling the skin is a good antidote and also prevents further infection.
There are various important facts that people need to be aware of about Urushiol oil, and the first is that it is very potent indeed. It is really important to know the symptoms of poison ivy to avoid it.
Research has indicated that a particle of the poison ivy oil the size of a pin-head could infect 500 people, and as it is not a water based substance it will not evaporate. The latter problem on poison ivy presents a major obstacle as it means the oil can stick to on items it has been in contact with for as long as, and maybe longer than, a year. This opens up the possibility of re-infection, or of an individual who has not been in contact with the plant being affected by poison ivy. Clothes, shoes, tools and pets can all hold the oil, and the very small amounts required to cause suffering give it greater potency.
Gloves and coats, along with boots, are among the most obvious causes of Poison Ivy infection and should be disinfected thoroughly if contamination is suspected. That’s how you know poison ivy.
How anyone can become infected
There are many ways that an individual can come into contact with the oil from Poison Ivy, and transfer from already infected clothing and other items is one way as we have already noted.
The reason that we suffer when having encountered the oil is because of the instant reaction it promotes, and it is notable that direct contact with the plant is not essential to induce a reaction.
If Poison Ivy is burned the smoke is contaminated with vaporised oil, and even coming into contact with this concoction can cause an attack. It has been said that a 100 year old item once affected a sufferer, an indication of how much troube the plant can be.
Anything that has touched the sap of the plant poison ivy must be avoided, therefore, and dogs kept away from Poison Ivy bushes. How to look after a sufferer of a Poison Ivy reaction
It is essential that treatment is attempted immediately, and the best method is to wash the contaminated area in warm water. A sensible recommendation is to use a very potent antimicrobial soap and to do all one can to stop the patient from scratching, as this will spread the problem more.
It is recommended to open the blisters, too, and to enable the area of infection exposure to the air. Keeping blisters wrapped is vital in order not to add infection.
Remember that it is just the oil that will invite the infection to spread, so contact with it should be refrained from.
The condition will, eventually, clear up completely, but there are treatments available for the irritation and for extreme reactions. It is the decision of the individual whether to let it die naturally or to look for further help to get rid of poison ivy. Some of us are fortunate in that they have no sensitivity to Poison Ivy, but these are few and far between and most of us would be infected by coming into contact with the poison ivy.
If one finds Poison Ivy the best advice one can give is the most logical – avoid poison ivy very carefully and don’t let your pet near it.
Nadeeka Johnson is an experienced article writer with over a 1,000 articles covering a wid variety of topical written at www.allstop.com/poison-ivy/poison-ivy-treatment
poison ivy.
Poison ivy rashes are no laughing matter, and shouldn’t be taken lightly if you have an allergic reaction to the poison ivy plant.
Poison Ivy Symptoms and effects on fibrous tissues and risk factors hot painful swelling of joints.
Poison ivy blisters form and a clear fluid oozes from the blisters.
The safest way to kill poison ivy is with a systemic herbicide that contains triclopyr.
If you are near the ocean anywhere, get into the water, lightly break the poison ivy blisters with sand and let the ocean water get at it.
Poison ivy rashes typically go away on their own within one to three weeks.
Although some people are immune to it’s poison ivy symptoms, most people experience an allergic reaction when coming into contact with poison ivy.
Typical poison ivy symptoms include red, dry, itchy skin, and blisters that drain fluid and may be tender or painful.
People respond differently to the poison ivy rashes; some have a severe Poison Ivy Rash reactions that require a visit to the doctor to get a shot.
There is no poison ivy cure, only items that can help reduce the itch and discomfort.
Some people are less likely to break out in a rash, but that does not necessarily mean that they are immune.
While conventional treatment for poison ivy rashes exist, usually in cream format, these substances are almost never natural and many health-minded individuals prefer to choose treatments that are in greater accord with nature.
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If you do come in contact with poison ivy, clean the area with rubbing alcohol as soon as you can. Soap can sometimes spread the oil around. Drug stores sell a special type of soap that will get rid of poison ivy oil. And don’t …
Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2010 6:40 pm Post subject: Getting rid of Poison Ivy plants – need help, Quote. I need help to get rid of Poison Ivy plants. At the previous house in North Hills, PA, I first got bad rashes from Poison Ivy plants. It took me at …
http://allstop.com/poison-ivy-news/
So I was cutting through brush trying to clean up the lawn and I got poison Ivy on my hand and I forgot and scratched the sack and now I have it there and it’s driving me effing insane it’s so itchy ..how can I get rid of the itch …
http://www.fitness.trustdote.com/
All Terrain Poison Ivy and OakCream – 2 oz. (60 mL) All Terrain Posion Ivy & Oak Cream is a drying formula for poison ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. All Terrain Posion Ivy/Oak Cream dries the oozing and weeping of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. As All Terrain Posion Ivy & Oak Cream dries the affected area, it may help to provide relief from itiching from the skin irritation. All Terra …
All Terrain Poison Ivy and OakCream – 2 oz. (60 mL) All Terrain Posion Ivy & Oak Cream is a drying formula for poison ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. All Terrain Posion Ivy/Oak Cream dries the oozing and weeping of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. As All Terrain Posion Ivy & Oak Cream dries the affected area, it may help to provide relief from itiching from the skin irritation. All Terra …
I recently came in contact with poison ivy. For the first time I developed a rash from the poison ivy. It became so bad and spread over my arm, both legs and almost all of my torso that I made a trip to the ER.
. I was given a shot and a prescription for prednisone. It was seeming to get better. After completing the 7 days of prednisone I still have a rash on my stomach and my arms. They are on new areas than before I took my meds. It itches like crazy and seems to be getting worse. What is going on? Should I make another trip to the Dr’s or wait?
Also the rash looks a little different. It is more just red and irritated.
I personally too have a “first time” reaction to posion Ivy. I have been to 2 ER’s and have been been put on Kefflex first and Prednisone the second, so now I have a appointment today for the shot. It started out as two bumbs and then they got all oozey and spread to more bumps that did the same. The funny thing is that those initial 2 have dried up even though they left scars, now it seems to have spread more on dfferent parts of my arms in a red swollen rashes and to the other arm as well. I know that this dose’nt actually give you any help but I will keep you informed as what my doctor says. I read that if you have suddend reddness and swelling that you are considered to having a severe reaction rather than the normal reaction. More to come this afternoon.
Looking for an effective treatment for poison ivy rash? Get rid of poison ivy fast with All Stop Healing Gel.
Safe and Reliable Poison Ivy Medicine Healing Gel
Poison Ivy Healing Gel penetrates deep into the skin to remove the Urushiol oil responsible for the itching, burning, rashes, blisters, and oozing. This helps to soothe the itchiness and burning, as well as attack any bacteria, viruses and fungus providing long-lasting relief! The Non-Toxic gel can also be used as a hand and skin cleanser, stopping 99% of bacteria on-contact.
Interesting Facts
To kill poison ivy that climbs high into trees, cut the vine off 6 inches above ground level.
The technique for poison ivy treatment with plantain involves a variation on the poultice method of preparation.
Poison ivy symptoms don’t cause a serious health risk, although they can still be quite unpleasant.
The best way to avoid poison ivy symptoms is to learn what the plant looks like and avoid touching it.
Poison ivy rashes are no laughing matter, and shouldn’t be taken lightly if you have an allergic reaction to the poison ivy plant.
Poison ivy blisters are formed because of the substance called urushiol that is in the plant.
There is a plant called Jewelweed that the Native Americans used as a treatment for poison ivy rashes, a large study found that it was ineffective in helping diminish the rashes
Poison ivy blisters form and a clear fluid oozes from the blisters.
Even if you are not allergic to poison ivy there’s no reason to open yourself up to the risk it presents.
Cools on contact, helps prevent peeling, gets rid of the burn while preserving the tan, plus it contains no artificial additives or colors! Helps treat sunburn, windburn, dry/cracked heels, Eczema, poison oak & ivy, insect bites, Psoriasis, welding burns, stove burns, and more! Great for first aid kits, Redneck Remedy sunburn treatment is a unique proprietary blend that helps to relieve and even e …
Cools on contact, helps prevent peeling, gets rid of the burn while preserving the tan, plus it contains no artificial additives or colors! Helps treat sunburn, windburn, dry/cracked heels, Eczema, poison oak & ivy, insect bites, Psoriasis, welding burns, stove burns, and more! Great for first aid kits, Redneck Remedy sunburn treatment is a unique proprietary blend that helps to relieve and even e …
I just have a small patch of it on my thigh, but I heard if you scratch it will spread. I AM SCRATCHING!!!!!! (Can’t help it!!) Do you know any stuff that can be found in an every day household that will stop the itching and make it go away?
Honey As for susceptibility to PI, you may not know that spring honey in the areas where it grows is usually loaded with PI pollen. I believe that regular use of raw, local, spring honey has rendered me immune to the effects of the sap. I worked in apple orchards for many years, with frequent, almost constant problems with poison ivy. When I began keeping bees and eating honey every day, I no longer was affected by poison ivy. It has been many years since I’ve had any reaction at all, though I sometimes walk right thru the stuff.
– Dave Green (Pollinator@NOSPAMaol.com) submitted May/1/2000 The Pollination Home Page
Baking Soda
If you take a bath in room temperature water mixed with 1/2 cup of baking soda it can releive the itching. The baking soda is like oatmeal bath that you would find at the drug store however the baking soda is cheaper and everyone has it in their house. However, if you use normal temperature bath water the itching will not stop at all. This method is on the back of many baking soda boxes that you can find at your super market
– Chris Whitehead (Chris01720@NOSPAMaol.com) submitted May/31/2000
I realized that if you take a bath w/ 1/2 cup baking soda and you put your poison ivy rashes under the facuet and start off with warn water and then slowly bring it upto a point where you can least stand it will out burning you it will simulate 20-25 minutes of scratching without breaking the skin or causing o ozing it also causes the urishiol to somewhat release from the cell and wash out …so a day or so later the rash starts clearing up
– Dan (dwr301@NOSPAMaol.com) submitted 10/Sep/2000
It doesn’t last very long, but put a paste made out of baking soda and water on it. I’ve been told that as the baking soda dries, it pulls out the toxins, same for bee/wasp/etc. stingers too (mud will work for stingers too)
–Jeanchild@NOSPAMaol.com submitted 16/Jul/2001
Well, My husband got poison oak 2 days ago and since I’m 6m pregnet, I was worried about getting it. Then I had him try a oatmeal & baking soda pack that I fixed up in about 5 mins. I just took oatmeal and baking soda and blended them up w/ hot water. It needs to be thick. Let it dry all the way, then wash off by taking a hot shower. It seems to have worked wonders. =)
–”Sarah” (no email provided) submitted 13/Apr/2002
I get poison ivy every year from loving on my cats, either on my wrists or my neck. Normally, I use the rubbing alcohol method & Rhuli-gel. This year has been the worst I’ve ever had. I bought the wrong spray, Calamine, which relieves the itch only temporary & doesn’t help in the long run. I finally took a Benadryl pill overnight, & seemed to be better the next day. Hot water always helps temporarily. But after reading through this site, I tried a baking soda paste & had such wonderful relief. After about 20 min, it began to flake off. So I sprayed it off with scalding hot water. The rash actually looks better already. You can bet the 1st thing I’ll do tomorrow morning is make a baking soda paste again.
–”Cindy chapman” (jchapman@NOSPAMgtec.com) submitted 15/Aug/2002
Hello, I am Shawn I am 15 years old and I have gotten Poison Ivy twice in my live and I have figured out a way to get rid of it fast. What you do is you mix baking soda with vinegar which reacts and then makes a paste. Than take a wash cloth and scrub the paste as hard as you can on there, it will hurt!!!, But I will also solve it fast Thank you Shawn
–Teckfreak1101001@NOSPAMaol.com submitted 13/Jun/2003
hey shawn thanks. the vinigar and baking soda paste works good. i used it and within minutes the itch was gone. i would recommend this to anyone. it doesn’t hurt much but u will most likely bleed from scrubbing hard just make sure you srub as hard as you can.
–”mark” the1statvrider@NOSPAMyahoo.com submitted 22/Jul/2003
Oatmeal Paste
The best thing I have found for poison ivy is very warm to hot oatmeal. Cook it a little thicker than you would for eating(you don’t want it running all over). Spread the oatmeal with a rubber spatula(like for spreading cake icing). The heat from the oatmeal really helps, the oatmeal is gritty and itches the rash for you, and as the oatmeal cools off it drys out the skin and affected area better than any other product I have tried. It feels likes cement drying aroung your arm. The only downsides I have seen to this is that your spouse WILL laugh at you as your pasting oatmeal to yourself in the kitchen, and this is probably something you wouldn’t want to do at work. BE SURE THE OATMEAL IS NOT TOO HOT FOR YOUR SKIN, it is best that it is warm to hot, but you do not want to burn yourself either.
– Jason (@NOSPAMaol.com) Nov/17/1999
My husband and I were cleaning out my mother’s yard and she kept telli ng me to be careful because there was poison ivy there. I, of course, knew it w ouldn’t bother me. Wrong! It started small and spread like a demon. I tried a lot of different things, but since we were at the beach, I found that dunking m yself in the ocean and then baking in the sun worked great. I didn’t itch the w hole time I was on the beach. I also tried an oatmeal bath followed by Caladryl Lotion and a Benadryl chaser. I don’t know whether the rash was just ready to go away or one of these three worked a miracle, but the next day it was consider ably improved. Poison Ivy is truly the work of the devil!!
– Barb Boylan (Barbiefromdarby@NOSPAMaol.com) submitted 12/Sep/2000
I once again suffer from poison oak, and I thought that I would share something that seems to help. I have used Desitin diaper rash ointment (the stuff that you put on babies’ bottoms) for the last few years and it seems to work as well as the Benadryl cream and is a somewhat cheaper and widely available. With an oatmeal bath and a coating of Desitin, I can get relief for several hours. Good Luck to you All!
– Marina Morrow (McMarina@NOSPAMaol.com) submitted 7/Nov/2000
I have found that mixing one pack instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of baking soda with near hot water, spreading it on the affected area and wrapping it in Saran wrap works best. It soothes the itch, clears the rash and the saran wrap keeps the paste from getting all over the place as well as keeping that soothing warmth going a little longer.
–”Christine Furtado” (christine.furtado@NOSPAMverizon.net) submitted 7/Jul/2003
I’ve had poison ivy so badly that at one time I was hospitalized (after walking through smoke when a neighbor burned some with leaves). At the time, Ivytox was on the market and it worked miracles. In later years, I’ve made a paste of oatmeal and water and plastered myself with it, wrapping gauze to keep down the mess it makes when drying. This really relieves the itching and dries it up beautifully. If the gauze sticks to the skin and/or blisters that have run, get in the shower and let it soak off then wash off with brown soap, or soak in a tub with Aveeno oatmeal.
–”Merit Heart & Allyana Ziolko” (meritheart@NOSPAMearthlink.net) submitted 05/Aug/2003
Vinegar
Plain o’l white vinegar, worked for me just fine. It will sting a bit, the itch was gone in minutes. Re-apply as the itch reappears until its gone, usually in a few days.
– J.R. (FARMERJOE@NOSPAMwebtv.net) submitted Apr/1/2000
A friend’s grandmother eliminated the simptoms of poison ivy using warm vinagar on the blisters. I have tried this and many other remedies, including the over-the-counter products and found that a combination of warm vinagar compresses, three to four times a day, and an application of caladril (not sure of the spelling) lotion at night have been the most effective. system, or just the acid in it. But it work’s. Passed down from 3 generations.
– Gary Christopher (synercom@NOSPAMistar.ca) submitted 26/Jun/2001
I have found that applying White Distilled Vinegar to the affected area(s) several times daily will relieve the itching as well as dry it up. Additional tips – Mosquito Bites: rub the juice of a cut onion on it and it will stop the itching and disappear within an hour. Insect Bites: make a paste from white distilled vinegar and meat tenderizer and apply to the affected area.
–Jillg762@NOSPAMaol.com submitted 26/Sep/2002
It sounds goofy, but when I was a kid we were told to rub vinegar and salt on the poison ivy on your arm or leg. It hurt but once it took effect it cooled down the itching.
–”Vince G” (giangiacomo@NOSPAMyahoo.com) submitted 16/Jun/2003
Hey I was just searching for new ways to get rid of my poison ivy faster. I mixed red and white vinegar and dumped it all over it and that healed it last time. Bleach does make it go away just not right away, also for my pool we use chlorine tablets (size of a hockey puck) and I got them wet and rubbed it on the ivy and let sit for 2-5 mins and that helped a little.
–”Todd” (lazyboy2407@NOSPAMexcite.com) submitted 26/July/2003
Banana Peel
Try the inside of a banana peel, this usually helps a bit more if the sores have been broken, but it drys up the ivy’s effects rather quickly with continuous use and if the sores are kept clean. Just peel a banana and smear the inside of the peel on the affected area, and bingo, then repeat about 2 to 3 times a day.
–”D. R. Pinson” (zeropop@NOSPAMwhitelion.net) submitted 13/Jul/2000
To get relief from the itch, rub the inside of a banana skin on it, and it works, I got that from Foxfire book.
–Edgar Brindle (ebrindle@NOSPAMinnernet.net) submitted 14/May/2001
I have been a leader of Girl Scouts for 23 years and know what poison looks like and what the rash looks like when you get it. I have not had it for many years and recently got a very itchy rash on the inside of my thighs. I was not in the woods or around any plants but my dog rubbed against me and I think I got it from the dog’s fur. I am a swimming instructor and was concerned that my students may get it from me so I went to the Dr for advice. She said the pool would help dry it up and that I would not give it to my students. She also gave me $65 worth of perscriptions. I did not fill them. My husband had heard of a treatment of toothpaste. I found that his TOOTHPASTE had BAKING SODA in it and I rubbed it on before going to bed. In the morning I washed it off and I did not itch as much. It looked better too. I then read this site for help. I tried the banana skins and it cleared it right up. Only 3 days of itching and I am all better. Thanks.
–Bev (bevdabby@NOSPAMaol.com) submitted 28/July/2003
Miracle Whip
Miracle Whip will remove the oil, but don’t use it more than 2 times a week. Put a teaspoonfull on the affected area, spread it around and leave it a few minutes. Then wash it off with Dawn Dishwashing liquid (or Zanfel). After that, use whatever remedy you have for drying it up. Benadryl cream, steroid ointment, or whatever. Also, on the really hot spots, try ice packs, especially at night. This works.
–Anonymous submitted 1/Jun/2001
I find that frozen vegetables in a bag when laid over the infected area reduces the itch incredibly.
Sounds silly, I know, but it works! This morning, I itched so badly I could hardly stand it, tried all the cortisone creams and ointments, which help just a bit. In desperation, I thought about a household ingredient that I use for intestinal problems, for soothing burns and reasoned, why not. Buttermilk!! Yep, the good bacteria stuff some of us southerners drink. I dabbed it on, itching stopped immediately, has been 2 hours now, no itching. I can reuse it as needed, no side effects. Hey, if it works, I am elated.
–”bkeel” (bkeel@NOSPAMexcite.com) submitted 24/Mar/2002
I too have become infected with the irritating poison Ivy and found that by putting buttermilk in the hottest bath water that you could stand provided great relief for me while I was sleeping. I also had cream from the Doctor which cleared it up within 14 days. Regards, Infected.
–”BROAD, Rodney C.” (RCBROAD@NOSPAMmccain.ca) submitted 12/Aug/2002
Pectin and Orange Juice
My wife and friends seem to to be plagued with poison oak suseptabilty, I thank God I have become immune to it’s wrath and rash. I feel my own immunity is do to faith, in that I actually believe I won’t get it and if I do feel an itch Do Not Touch it. Tell yourself the itch will soon go away and it does.This advice worked on my children but not my wife and some friends. My children do not suffer from poisen oak, occassionaly my son gets a small bump as I have, but it soon disapears. Poison oak has been a huge problem for me because my wife has been infected from my clothing or my body numerous times.I’ve had to come home, go right to the laundry room to strip , put clothes in the washer, and head straight to the shower, before she quit getting it. I really to to hike around the woods , but so many peaple are afraid to go with me for fear of being infected. My friends and wife would refuse to go many places with me because of this fear. It became my problem even though it doesn’t bother me at all (I can wallow in it). Prefering to hike with company I decided to question others for a cure, as my ‘Mind Power’ cure that I believe worked for me and my children doesn’t seem to work for everyone. So here it is, a cure as told to me by a forest ranger at Star Ranger Station, Ashland or. Who had a son that used to be so sensitive to the stuff he had to be hospitalized numerous times after encountering the beast. He (sorry I don’t recall his name) told me someone (don’t know their name either)told him to mix a packet of Pectin (used for canning jam and jelly) into a large pither of Orange Juice made from frozen concentrate and drink it through the week. I thought , wow how easy! The problem is My wife and friends are stubborn and I’ve had to praactically force my wife to try it. I’ve bought the ingredients and must make it for her ( you’d think they be dying to try such a simple, harmless,and cheap potential remedy!) Well so far so good! After several weeks of getting her to drink the concoction ( which tastes just like Pure Orange Juice) she’s not gotten but only a few bumps, nothing like the time her face swelled up and she went to the Emergency Room. I believe it’s working. Many times just this week, I’ve been in the thick of it(fresh, spring, Poisen Oak) not bothering to wash up, and She’s Not Getting infected! Someone else Please try it and let us Know if it is working for you?Thanks, Rick
–”Rick Stevenson” (rick@NOSPAMfishdudes.com) submitted 24/Mar/2003
Soup
The itching can really drive you nuts. The best cure I know is using Homemade (Brown) Soap. Make a paste of the soap on the patches and leave it dry. When you feel it’s gone, do it again. My experience has been that in a few days it’s dried up and gone. I just got my first dose for the first time in a lot of years. I forgot what I drag it is.
–”Karen Wolfe” (kwolfe88@NOSPAMadelphia.net) submitted 2/Sep/2002
Cucumber
Cucumber! So simple,so effective.Just slice a piece off, wipe it on and let dry.Relieves itch and you should be getting better in a week. Apply often .
–”Eddy van H.” (Vanman1@NOSPAMsympatico.ca) submitted 30/Sep/2002
Bananas
About 2 weeks ago I was pulling weeds and ended up with poison ivy. I had nothing to use the first couple of days, them got some camomille. It helped a little, but didn’t completely stop the itch. It just made it bearabe. Then, I decided to check online to see what I could find. I found a lot of suggestions on your site. The first one I tried yesterday was the hot water. I did it about 11am. I was itch free until bedtime. I still wasn’t itching, so went to bed. About 1:30am I woke up itching bad. I didn’t want to run the shower and possibly wake someone up and didn’t feel like making any of the pastes that had been suggested. We had some bananas, so thought I would try that. At this time I have a little itch, but nothing I can’t stand. It started about 8pm. The banana had worked for nearly 18 hours. I am getting ready to go to bed and will use the banana before I do. So far, that has worked the longest for me.
–”Bonnie” (bububare4619@NOSPAMaol.com) submitted 10/Oct/2002
I tried the banana, and I have been itch free all day and the sores look drier. I just rubbed the inside of the skin on my arm. Thanks
–”lorraine” (lorraine@NOSPAMcountry-peddler.com) submitted 1/Jun/2003
Oatmeal, Clorine Paste
I’ve recently broke out with a bad case of pi. I’ve always used the ol’calamine lotion, but this bout needed more than that. That’s when I visited your web site to see if there was anything I could make around the house to help releave some of the symptoms. I mixed about a cup of water, 2 tbsp of chlorine, a cup of oatmeal, and about 2 dashes of salt together and boiled it. I spread the mix on my wounds, and let it dry, while the mix was still hot. Afterwards I took a shower with hot water. I rubed my sores with rubbing alcohol then put calamine lotion on them…seems like a lot to do, but it imediatly soothed my itching. Also try benadryl alergy pills. All of this does really help. Try it!
–”katy” (kbrownleelong@NOSPAMyahoo.com) submitted 24/May/2003
Maple Syrup
I live in Canada, so naturally I spend a lot of time in the woods. I get poison ivy regularly, and mostly just suffer through it, (We Canadians are tough people). But this time I needed help, it was a really painful case of pi. Now this is an old Canadian secret, but I will fill you nice Americans in on it. Maple syrup! But none of that cheap American stuff, it has to been 100% Pure for it to work.
–”Adam ” (adam_shoalts@NOSPAMyahoo.com) submitted 2/Jun/2003
Editor: You know I am Canadian too eh? Never heard of this one. But I certainly have some Rogers around. Thanks I’ll have to try that one.
Salt
I’m sitting here right now typing with one hand because I can’t bend the fingers on the other hand.It’s to swollen up from poison sumac. My knuckles are no longer in sight. My face looks like a rubber monster mask. All my life (53 years) every summer the dreaded weed finds me. I am so careful but still… When I see it in the yard I spray paint it till it can be ripped up by someone else who doesn’t have a reaction to it. I was thinking this time about using a Scumbuster and Drano to get rid of the itch, just kidding. I have tried to explain to people how bad the itch but unless you’ve had the experience they don’t “get it”. I tell people that pain it preferable to the itch. Like I said it’s hard to understand and to describe how this itch is different from say a bajillion mosquitoes bites. And when people say (and I know you’ve all heard this)”don’t scratch it”,well this late in life I pay no mind to that now, but use to be when folks said that to me whilst watching me rend my flesh into bloody strips I wasn’t as tolerant. Anyway after I the chucked the Drano/Scumbuster notion I had an idea. Last year I bought a product that has been mentioned elsewhere on this site.It was exorbitantly expensive 17$ for a teeny weeny tube and for me not as good as I wanted it to be. One thing however the grit was good. Now in the past I had used Ajax but the grit was to fine. So I thought – Kosher salt.I Mean they used salt to dry mummies certainly it could dry up p.s. I made a paste using liquid dish soap,kosher salt and of course the hottest water I could stand.For 3 days now I have been using it and while I still look hideous had I not use it I would be much worse. And over the long, long years I have tried everything.I Realize this isn’t science, it’s antidotal but it’s working for me so I don’t care.Speaking of science (this is off the path)why oh why hasn’t medical science come up with a balm,salve,lotion,cream,ointment,pill or shot that will cure this crud or at least make the itch really and truly sto p.All of you know that even when the rash is calm it’s always on the surface just waiting for a stray hair to brush against you face or your arm ever so gently to touch the furniture to make it come alive and put you right on the edge of maniacal. One more thing. I tried all the salts,rock – to big,sea salt and Morton’s – to little. Kosher,for me,was the best size crystal. I hope this helps someone. I know you need it.
–”Carol Batts” (annielugs@NOSPAMaol.com) submitted 9/Jun/2003
Well, last year I got it 4 times but not real bad and only on my legs and arms. This year so far only one time but I got it on my “privates” no where else. Went to the doctor, he prescibed prednisone. Looked it up on the net, too many possible side effects for me. The solution; Hot Bathes with about a cup of “sea salt” for 20 min. Every 4 to 6 hours, followed each time by an application of Ivarest. Active ingredients; Calamine & Diphenhydraine Hydrochloride (2%) I normally abstain from chemical drugs but it did work. I was completely healed in 6 days, in the past it has lasted weeks. I did also change my diet no coffee or alcohol for that week and included more foods with Lysine in them, took vitamins lots of C,E,Bs also cal/mag pills, goat yogart. Good Luck everyone I know your pain.
–”Andy” (a_n_d_m@NOSPAMmsn.com) submitted 21/Jun/2003
Saran Wrap
This is sounds silly but it works if you go get Cortaid Cream and wrap the infected area with saran wrap real tight real tight it will go away. When the infected area begins to sweat the poison ivy or oak opens up and the cream gets in the poison and clears it up.
Best Poison Ivy Remedy!
First Aid Gel to stop the burning and itching of Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac and help protect against the risk of skin infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Poison Ivy Healing Gel penetrates deep into the skin to remove the Urushiol oil responsible for the itching, burning, rashes, blisters, and oozing. This helps to soothe the itchiness and burning, as well as attack any bacteria, viruses and fungus providing long-lasting relief! The Non-Toxic gel can also be used as a hand and skin cleanser, stopping 99% of bacteria on-contact.
Facts and Details
A top poison ivy cure that is recommended by actual dermatologists is giving the exposed area an oatmeal bath or using baking soda as these can help to speed up the healing process.
One of the mainstays of poison ivy treatment is calamine lotion.
Poison ivy rashes are caused by exposure to urushiol, which is a colorless, odorless oil found on poison ivy plants.
As one of the easiest poison ivy rash treatment cures you can make, the Oatmeal Relief should be tried first.
If you see someone with poison ivy symptoms, you need to advise the person to get medical advice and attention immediately to avoid complications later.
Poison Ivy Symptoms include itchy red bumps that are usually in a straight line or in streaks (the manner in which the plant brushes against the skin), fluid-filled vesicles and blisters that sometimes ooze with pus, and fever which rarely occurs.
Hydrocortisone creams, used to relieve itching, are not strong enough on poison ivy rashes.
Poison Ivy rashes that would require medical intervention by a physician would include rashes that cover large portions of the body, swelling around the eyes, mouth, and joints.
All Terrain Poison Ivy and OakCream – 2 oz. (60 mL) All Terrain Posion Ivy & Oak Cream is a drying formula for poison ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. All Terrain Posion Ivy/Oak Cream dries the oozing and weeping of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. As All Terrain Posion Ivy & Oak Cream dries the affected area, it may help to provide relief from itiching from the skin irritation. All Terra …
All Terrain Poison Ivy and OakCream – 2 oz. (60 mL) All Terrain Posion Ivy & Oak Cream is a drying formula for poison ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. All Terrain Posion Ivy/Oak Cream dries the oozing and weeping of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. As All Terrain Posion Ivy & Oak Cream dries the affected area, it may help to provide relief from itiching from the skin irritation. All Terra …
