Know More About Poison Ivy Treatment

Have you ever experienced a poison ivy rash? I’m sure a lot of people will agree that getting poison ivy rash is not one of the most comfortable things in the world. The way I see it, suffering from itchy skin is more uncomfortable than suffering from body pains. With body pains, you can drink pain medication and you are pain-free in a few minutes. Itching is more complicated. Some people have their very own recipes for soothing itchy skin, and in this article, we will explore them one by one. But before we go to that, let us take a brief look into poison ivy rash and how it occurs.

Poison ivy can come in two forms: a shrub and a vine. They carry with them the chemical compound, urushiol, which is responsible for the itching and the blisters. This compound will cause a series of rashes, and for some, blisters which will make you itch and scratch like crazy. Half of the human population are susceptible to developing this rash whenever they come in contact with this plant, while the other half is luckier.

Poison ivy treatment is actually very simple. Calamine lotion is the best choice and would help soothe the itching fast. This comes highly recommended by doctors since it is only topical and does not carry with it any harmful side effects. However, you have to be careful when placing it on newly healed tattoos as it may pull the ink out.

Rash, having developed from poison ivy exposure, is also called contact dermatitis. This is a form of allergic reaction that is limited to the skin alone. To treat the allergic reaction, doctors may prescribe you with antihistamine, an allergy medication. However, allergy medication usually makes people sleepy, so exercise caution when taking these. Do not drive any car or heavy machinery for these is a chance that you might fall asleep at the wheel.

There are times that calamine lotion or antihistamines are not available, so you would have to make do with home remedies. We have chosen some of the safest home remedies that will cure the itch for a while. Some doctors even recommend them.

Liberally covering the area with cooked oatmeal will stop the itching. If the rash has spread all throughout your body, you can even submerse yourself in an oatmeal bath.

Aloe Vera is another very popular choice for treatment of poison ivy rash. Aloe Vera has a cooling effect on the skin, thus stopping the itching. You have to make sure not to rub the area though. Rubbing it will cause the urushiol to spread, widening the affected area. Just pat it in.

There are a lot of other instant remedy treatments for poison ivy rash, but the best thing for you to do would be to place the affected area under cool, running water as soon as possible. Again, do not rub for the compound might spread and can also transfer to your hands. After a while, you can wash it with soap and water.

Watch out for poison ivy. As mentioned earlier, poison ivy rash is one of the most uncomfortable things in the world. The next time you get one, you now have an idea what to do. Best of luck!