10 Home Remedies For Poison Ivy You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
These home remedies for poison ivy can help relieve itching and reduce the chance that the rash might spread to other parts of your body.
Cucumber calms the rash
It’s not exactly a day at the spa, but cucumber slices are one of the simplest ways to treat poison ivy naturally. Either place slices of this cooling veggie on the affected area, or mash it up to make a cucumber “paste” that you apply to the rash for soothing relief.
Banana peel cools the itch
Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on poison ivy-affected skin is an old wives’ tale that may have some truth to it; the peel’s cooling qualities could provide itch relief. An application of watermelon rind is another treatment some people swear by.
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Apple cider vinegar to the rescue
With its many medicinal qualities, it’s no surprise that apple cider vinegar has also been shown to be an effective way to treat poison ivy naturally. Try soaking a brown paper bag in apple cider vinegar, then place the bag on the rash to draw out the toxins.
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Baking soda speeds up recovery
To make a treatment for poison ivy rash, especially one red with blisters, mix 3 teaspoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon water and apply the paste to the affected areas. When it dries, the baking soda will flake off. If the blisters are oozing, mix 2 teaspoons baking soda in 1 quart (or 1 litre) water and use it to saturate a few sterile gauze pads. Cover the blisters with the wet pads for 10 minutes, four times a day. Do not apply on or near your eyes. (A less potentially messy way to get relief: Soak in a cool bath with 1 cup of baking soda mixed in.)
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Oatmeal bath soothes the itch
A soak in an oatmeal bath is a classic way to treat poison ivy naturally. Grind 1 cup oatmeal in your blender until it’s a fine powder, then pour it into a piece of cheesecloth or the foot section of a clean, old nylon stocking. Knot the material, and tie it around the faucet of your bathtub so the bag is suspended under the running water. Fill the tub with lukewarm water and soak in it for 30 minutes. You may find that applying the oatmeal pouch directly to the rash gives you even more relief.
Once you’ve cleared up your poison ivy rash, learn 30+ tips for healthy skin that naturally glows.
Aloe vera beats the burn
Just like it soothes a nasty sunburn, the gel from an aloe vera plant can work wonders on a poison ivy rash. Apply the gel directly to the skin from the leaf or use a store-bought product for a quicker treatment.
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Rubbing alcohol prevents spreading
If you’re going to be in areas where there might be poison ivy, it’s a good idea to carry rubbing alcohol with you. Swiping it on your skin immediately after contact can prevent the plant’s urushiol—the chemical responsible for the rash—from fully penetrating your skin.
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Lemon juice eliminates oil
Some people swear by lemon juice, a natural astringent, as a poison ivy home remedy. Apply it soon after contact with the irritating leaf, before the plant’s oil has time to fully get into your skin.
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Running water lessens severity
Washing the affected body parts in cool running water (and soap if it’s handy) immediately after contact can help minimize the size and severity of the developing rash. Avoid hot water, which can irritate the skin.
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Cold compresses can reduce the rash
Apply cold compresses whenever the rash acts up, to tame the itchiness and prevent you from scratching; remember, sharp nails can open blisters to infection. Witch hazel can have a similar rash-reduction effects; soak a cotton ball and pat it on. If you need relief from a weepy poison ivy rash, try strongly brewed tea. Dip a cotton ball into the tea, dab it on the affected area, and let it air-dry. Repeat as needed.
Now that you know how to treat poison ivy naturally, check out these science-backed home remedies for just about any ailment.
