How to Heal Poison from Oak and Ivy

Apply a water-based cream or lotion. Calomine lotion, Casaicin cream or Hydrocortisone cream can reduce itching. However, you should not apply immediately after coming into contact with the poisonous plant because the application will cause the oil to spread. It should be applied a few hours or days after the itching sensation appears. Capsaicin cream (often sold in pharmacies as a joint pain reliever) may initially cause a burning sensation but will help soothe the itch for hours on end.

Take an antihistamine. Antihistamines are drugs used to treat allergies. Because contact with poison oak and poison ivy will cause an allergic reaction, taking an antihistamine will help relieve symptoms. Antihistamines usually only ease the symptoms of poison ivy, but if taken before bed, the anti-itching and drowsy effects of the drug will help you get a little rest. Only oral antihistamines should be used, not applied to the affected skin because it will make the rash worse.

Oatmeal bath. Take an oatmeal bath or soak in Aluminum Acetate. If you do not want to waste time buying medicine, you can use a blender to grind 1 cup of oatmeal and put it in warm water to bathe. Do not bathe in very hot water, especially immediately after exposure to toxins, as hot water will open pores. ^[2]

Apply the cooking water from the chestnuts. Crush the chestnuts and put them in boiling water. Strain out the seeds to get the water, let it cool, then use a cotton pad to dot it and apply it to the rash. Although not studied, this method has been shown to reduce the itching rash caused by poison ivy.

Apply aloe vera. Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant. Aloe vera leaves secrete a gel that has a cooling effect. You can make your own aloe vera gel and apply it directly to the rash or use bottled gel. If you buy bottled gel from the store, make sure that the gel contains 90% aloe vera. ^[3]

Wash the rash with apple cider vinegar. You can use apple cider vinegar to heal damage from poison ivy exposure faster. Use a cotton pad soaked in apple cider vinegar and gently apply to the rash or mix apple cider vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:1 to wash the rash.

Use baking soda. Mix baking soda and water in a ratio of 3:1. Apply the mixture to the rash to flatten the blisters. Allow the baking soda mixture to dry on its own and crack or flake off. Reapply every few hours for best results.

Use dairy products. If you are not allergic to milk, you can apply fermented buttermilk or yogurt to the rash. When dairy products are applied, the proteins will flatten the bulge.

Use tea to treat rashes. Fill the bathtub with water and then add 12 tea bags. You should use chamomile tea because chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties. Soak in tea for about 20 minutes to relieve itching and discomfort. Or you can brew strong tea and soak a cotton ball in the tea and apply it to the rash. Apply once every few hours.

Use frozen fruit peels. Apply frozen watermelon or banana peels to the rash. The watermelon rind acts as a cold pack and the watermelon juice will help dry up the blister. On the other hand, banana peels will help cool and soothe the rash.

Apply cold coffee. If you have leftover strong coffee, dip a cotton pad in the coffee and apply it to the rash. Or you can make a fresh cup of coffee and let it cool in the fridge before applying it to your skin. Coffee contains chlorogenic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory.

Learn to recognize poisonous plants. Stay away from plants with the following characteristics:

• Poison ivy has clusters of 3 shiny leaves and red stems. The plant grows like a vines and often grows along the banks of rivers or lakes.
• Poison oak is like a shrub and has a cluster of three leaves like poison ivy. Poison oak commonly grows on the West Coast of the United States.
• Poison sumac is a woody shrub with 7-13 symmetrical leaves. The tree grows abundantly along the Mississippi River.

Bathe pets if they come into contact with poisonous plants. Pets are generally not sensitive to poison ivy or poison oak. However, the poisonous oil from the tree can stick to their fur and cause an allergic reaction in the person holding them. Use pet shampoo and wear rubber gloves when bathing them.

Bring protective gear. If you’re going hiking or camping where poison ivy is grown, bring plenty of cold water and rubbing alcohol. Applying cold water and rubbing alcohol immediately after contact with the poisonous plant will help prevent the poison from spreading and reduce pain extremely well.