How To Cure Poison Ivy Using Ingredients From Home

A day in nature can cure the soul and warm the heart. If you aren’t careful, however, it can also make your skin itch terribly. Poison ivy is found all over North America, and it isn’t always easy to spot. You don’t even need to touch it directly to develop a horrible rash. This is why you must know what household items you can use to quickly control your poison ivy symptoms. 

To cure your poison ivy, or any rash caused by urushiol, take a soothing colloidal oatmeal bath. You can also take an Epsom salt or baking soda bath. Take an oral antihistamine like Benadryl, and apply anti-itch cream with hydrocortisone. You can also apply calamine lotion if you have any. You can also apply face masks made of bentonite clay, witch hazel spray, or essential oils with eucalyptus or chamomile.

Poison ivy and its itchy relatives, poison sumac and poison oak, can ruin a camping trip, and completely derail summer plans if you don’t address the problem quickly. In addition to immediately showering after being exposed to urushiol, you must begin treating the rash. The more you scratch a poison ivy rash, the longer it will take to heal, and the more severe the rash will become. To help improve your symptoms quickly, try some of these trusted home remedies listed below.

13 Ways To Cure Poison Ivy With Ingredients From Your Home

1. Use The Calamine Lotion In Your Medicine Cabinet

One of the best ways to soothe the unbearable allergic reaction associated with poison ivy is to apply calamine lotion. This lotion is derived from the calamine mineral. It is pink in color and is one of the most popular lotions to treat itching associated with ailments like chicken pox, mosquito bites, and even sunburn.

If you have some calamine lotion left in your medicine cabinet, try using it to soothe your itchy poison ivy rash. It won’t cure it rapidly, but it can greatly reduce how itchy your skin feels.

2. Take An Allergy Pill Like Benadryl

If you have any oral antihistamines in your medicine cabinet, try taking one as soon as you notice a poison ivy rash. Topical sprays do not work, but an oral option may help relieve some of the pain and itching associated with poison ivy. These pills also tend to cause drowsiness, making them a good option for those looking for a restful night’s sleep, rather than an itchy one.

3. Apply Rubbing Alcohol

If you have rubbing alcohol in the home, you’ll be happy to know you can use it to do more than just sanitize your skin. You can also use it to dry up and help cure your poison ivy rash. The key to applying rubbing alcohol is to do so as soon as you notice the rash or after you have touched poison ivy.

The alcohol can help remove the urushiol from your skin. This can greatly reduce the severity of your rash, and help you heal faster. You can apply alcohol with a cotton ball or spray it on the skin.

4. Take A Colloidal Oatmeal Bath

One of the most soothing remedies for poison ivy is a colloidal oatmeal bath. This type of bath can greatly reduce your itchiness, and will alleviate your symptoms for up to several hours. The key is taking this type of bath with warm water (not hot).

Soak in this oatmeal bath for between 10-15 minutes. When you exit the tub, don’t rub your skin. Instead, slowly pat yourself dry.

5. Apply Cold Compresses Regularly

One of the easiest and best ways to soothe a poison ivy rash and help it diminish faster is by applying a cold compress. For best results, use a cold compress at least three to four times per day. What is great about a cold compress is it can help with the pain, itch, and swelling that comes with poison ivy. It essentially helps combat all the worst symptoms of this horrible rash.

6. Use Hydrocortisone Cream To Stop The Itch

If you are a fan of using doctor-approved medications, then you should reach for your hydrocortisone cream as soon as you feel the itch from poison ivy coming on. Hydrocortisone cream or ointment is one of the best over-the-counter itch relievers. 

It works quickly and lasts several hours. This is a great option for those who need fast-acting relief, and may need further assistance on the go.

7. Try Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is not only a low-maintenance plant you can grow, but it’s also a possible remedy for poison ivy. Aloe vera has a cooling and calming effect that makes it popular for sunburns. It is also a great remedy for the itch caused by urushiol.

Aloe vera also has antibacterial qualities. This makes it a great option for those who may be worried about an infection due to blistering skin.

8. Use Essential Oils Like Chamomile And Eucalyptus

If you have a large collection of essential oils, you’ll be happy to know there are several varieties you can use to help cure your poison ivy at home. Eucalyptus oil is a great option to use once your poison ivy has persisted for a day or so. 

It helps rehydrate and heal your skin, helping the later stages of the rash move along quickly. Chamomile essential oil is another option if you don’t have eucalyptus oil.

9. Take An Epsom Salt Bath

If you have leftover Epsom salts, consider making an Epsom salt bath when you have poison ivy. Apply two cups of Epsom salts to a warm (not hot) bath. Soak your body in this mixture for 20 minutes. You should notice relief from your itchiness. Epsom salts are also a great way to relax.

10. Make A Paste With Baking Soda And Water

If you have baking soda, even expired baking soda, you can use it to make a DIY paste that can help cure your poison ivy. Mix one part water to three parts baking soda in a small bowl. This will create a paste. 

You can then apply this paste directly to your rash. Allow it to dry, and then rinse it off. This can help with the itchiness associated with poison ivy.

11. Apply Cucumber Slices To The Affected Area

If you have a vegetable garden with many cucumbers, you should know you can use them for more than just salads. You can slice a cucumber thinly and apply the slices to your poison ivy rash.

Chilled cucumbers work best, but all cucumbers can offer a soothing and cooling sensation to your itchy rash.

12. Use Bentonite Clay Face Mask On The Rash

Bentonite clay, often called “Aztec clay” is a popular natural face mask. In turn, it is commonly found in many bathrooms. In addition to using this clay to have a spa day, you can also use it to cure your poison ivy.

Make a paste with the bentonite clay powder by adding water. Next, apply this paste to your rash. Allow it to dry, and then remove it. This can help minimize symptoms of poison ivy, as well as speed up healing.

13. Spray Witch Hazel On Your Rash

Witch hazel is a common natural skin toner and purifier. If you have witch hazel in your medicine cabinet or beauty drawer, you can try using it to help cure your poison ivy. Witch hazel has a drying effect that can help remove the urushiol, as well as speed up the healing process. Spray it on your rash up to four times per day.

Final Notes On How To Cure Poison Ivy With Items In Your Home

Poison ivy is a painful and itchy problem that can sneak up on even the most careful outdoor lover. If you have been afflicted with a poison ivy rash, there are several home remedies you can try right away. You can take a bath with colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salts. Try making a paste with bentonite clay, baking soda, or even slices of cucumber. You can also dry out the rash with rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. As far as medications, calamine lotion, oral antihistamines, and hydrocortisone cream are all effective options.

Related Guides:

• Common Plants That Can Cause Allergic Reactions
• 12 Ways To Use Leftover Epsom Salts
• Where To Buy Eucalyptus (Plants, Oils, and Trimmings)