Having to deal with poison ivy is a very common occurrence in the South—especially during the summer months. Experiencing the rash can put a big dent in your summer mood, but luckily there are ways you can reduce the itchiness that poison ivy rashes cause in the comfort of your own home!

Our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team shares some helpful treatment tips below, so keep reading!

Why Does Poison Ivy Cause a Rash in the First Place?

Poison ivy contains a toxic oil called urushiol. In fact, 85% of people develop a swollen, itchy red rash when they get urushiol on their skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

If you have developed a rash and you aren’t sure if it’s from poison ivy or not, monitor your symptoms to see if they line up with any of the symptoms of poison ivy that we’ve listed below.

Common Poison Ivy Symptoms

• Small bumps that quickly turn into blisters where the plant oil touched the skin
• Severe itching
• Redness and swelling
• Blisters that break, ooze fluid and crust over

How Can I Treat a Poison Ivy Rash?

One of the best ways to keep your poison ivy rash from getting worse is by refraining from scratching it. Scratching your rash can cause infection and can lead to worse skin conditions like impetigo, which is a highly contagious skin infection.

Obviously, refraining from scratching your irritating itch is easier said than done, but it really helps. To make it easier to avoid scratching your rash, try the home remedies that we’ve listed below!

At-Home Remedies for Poison Ivy Rash

• Keep it cold. Soaking your rash in cool-water baths containing an oatmeal-based product such as one by Aveeno should provide relief. Also, placing a cool, wet compress on the rash for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day should help.
• Cortisone and calamine. OTC cortisone creams and calamine lotion can help ease some of the itchiness of a poison ivy rash. Make sure to wash the rash with soap and water before applying and reapplying.
• Oral antihistamines. OTC antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can help ease your itching and inflammation, too. Don’t apply antihistamine creams to the rash, though, as these types of creams can actually make the rash worse.

If you haven’t been able to get rid of your poison ivy rash, don’t hesitate to reach out or visit our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team today to get the answers or treatment you need!