Poison ivy rashes are painful and itchy, so you’ll want to alleviate your symptoms fast. Try out one of our 4 best natural remedies for poison ivy.
Poison ivy, also known as Toxicodendron radicans, is an allergenic Asian and Eastern North American flowering plant. Poison ivy rash is caused by an allergic reaction to an oily resin called urushiol in its leaves, stems and roots. If you come into contact with urushiol, you should wash your skin straight away to reduce the chances that you break out in a rash. Natural remedies for poison ivy can help you avoid symptoms like redness, itching, swelling and blisters.
Allergic reactions to poison ivy usually develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the plant. Here are 4 home remedies for poison ivy that can soothe that itchy rash.
1. Natural Remedies for Poison Ivy: Aloe Vera
Studies show that aloe vera is effective at healing wounds. Aloe vera has a soothing and cooling effect on poison ivy rashes due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Break open a leaf and apply the gel directly to your rash if you have an aloe vera plant.
With one ingredient, you can also make homemade aloe vera gel for poison ivy in 15 minutes. Alternatively, aloe vera gel is available at most drugstores; however, we recommend avoiding this method to reduce waste.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda can help with minor irritation and itching. Mix thee teaspoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water to create a paste. Apply the past directly to the poison ivy rash to help sooth itching and irritation. If you have the rash all over your body, you can add a cup of baking soda to your bathwater. As baking soda is a popular baking and cleaning ingredient, you may already have it in your home.
3. Natural Remedies for Poison Ivy: Oatmeal
Oatmeal is often used to reduce feelings of itchiness and irritation due to its anti inflammatory properties. Adding ground oatmeal to your bath can help to soothe poison ivy rash. Try this oatmeal bath to help calm your skin. If the rash is isolated to one area, you can make an oatmeal paste using oatmeal and warm water.
How to make and use oatmeal paste:
- Fill a bowl with oatmeal and add warm water.
- Mix until it creates a paste.
- Apply the paste directly to the rash.
- Allow it to dry.
- Remove gently and apply moisturiser to the skin.
4. The Ocean or Saltwater
If you are lucky enough to live by the ocean, saltwater is one of the best natural remedies for easing the itchiness and pain of poison ivy rashes. Saltwater contains naturally occurring minerals like potassium and calcium which will help to dry out the rash and as well as any sap that still may be on your skin.
Read more:
- How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy Plants: 4 Natural Ways
- The 12 Best Plants to Naturally Repel Mosquitoes
- Dry Skin on Your Hands? Great Natural Ways to Help Chapped Hands
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