How to Treat and Control a Poison Ivy Rash

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Poison ivy is a plant which is found commonly across the United States of America and in some parts of Canada. When a person comes in contact with this particular plant it causes severe irritation to the skin which results in a rash and even causes blistering of the skin.

This phenomenon is commonly termed as contact dermatitis. The symptoms of contact dermatitis which are caused due to the skin coming in contact with poison ivy could take a minimum of three weeks to completely disappear. There are few things that you could do to help yourself cope with this situation. Contact dermatitis is very frustrating and could also be very painful. It is therefore advisable to visit a doctor incase the symptoms are very severe and unbearable.

If you realize that you have exposed yourself to poison ivy then the first thing that you should try and do is have a good wash or a bath and try and get the offending oil off your body. The poison ivy plant secretes an oil which clings to the skin. This oil causes the skin irritation. In some cases if you are able to wash the oil off you might even be able to avoid developing the rash caused due to it. Most often we realize that we have been exposed to poison ivy only when we notice an itching sensation. Even in these cases washing yourself thoroughly would help reduce the rash and shorten the time your skin would require to heal fully.

If your skin is itching then you could help soothe the itching by using compresses which are cold and wet. Take frequent baths to help avoid scratching your skin. Add oatmeal or even baking soda to a cold bath and soak in it for at least fifteen to twenty minutes. The oatmeal or baking soda helps to relieve the itching sensation. You could also make a paste of Epsom salts or baking soda and apply it to the affected area to help soothe the itching sensation.

Calamine lotion or a lotion containing alcohol and zinc acetate would be helpful to dry out the blisters and speed up the healing process. Remember not to cover your self up. Leave your skin open to air as this will help to get rid it faster.