The first thing you should do after exposure or possible exposure to poison ivy is to clean the affected areas with cold water or rubbing alcohol right after exposure can help control any reaction. You should also wash any contaminated items or clothing with soap or detergent, and bathe your pets to get the oil out of their fur.
Natural solutions for treating poison ivy rash include:
1) Witch Hazel - Apply to all exposed sites topically to reduce itching and swelling
2) Oatmeal - Add colloidal oatmeal to a cool or lukewarm bath can calm and soothe your skin.
3) Aloe Vera - has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Apply to exposed site to help heal irritated skin.
4) Menthol-Based Creams - Use an organic compound sourced from peppermint and other mint plants. Menthol has a cooling effect on skin.
See a doctor immediately if you experience severe poison-ivy symptoms (such as a fever higher than 100 F, difficulty breathing, yellow fluid oozing from blisters, or irritation in sensitive areas like eyes and mouth).
Thanks for this Regina. I have also found organic apple cider vinegar to be useful for the itching.
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