How do i get rid of 'or treat' Poison Ivy? I've tried rubbing alcohol, ammonia now bleach. Nothing works!!?

Question

The itching is unbearable!! Can someone give me immediate relief from the itching?

Answer 1

This may sound crazy but running hot water over the rash can dramatically relieve the itch.  The water has to be hot enough to be slightly uncomfortable but not so hot that it burns you.  I've had poison ivy numerous times and have found this method to be the best thing to relieve the itch.  I believe the hot water reduces the histamine reaction in your skin.  But DON'T use the hot water treatment if your rash has open sores or oozing blisters.  If it's severe and widespread or gets around your eyes then go to the doctor.  They'll give you corticosteroids which will greatly reduce the itching, burning and swelling.  I know it's horribly miserable but just remember that it's a temporary allergic reaction and it will begin to start improving in a few days

Answer 2

Why use all that and not a hydrocortisone cream that will reduce the itching and help heal it.

Also, bathing with oatmeal or baking soda will help too.  Treat it like you would treat the Chickent Pox.

The 3 things that you have used will only aggravate it, making it itch more and more than likely lead to scars.

Answer 3

Calamine lotion, and allergy medication, like Claritin.

You had an allergic reaction to the plant, you must treat the symptoms by applying the lotion, on the rash, and treating the allergy with the Claritin.

Bleach and ammonia should never be applied to the skin, you got a rash by accident, I suppose, why would you deliberately damage your skin with harsh chemicals?

Good Luck!

Answer 4

If it is on your hands or feet (where I used to get it all the time) try soaking the area in hot salt water, as hot as you can take it.  The salt draws the moisture out of the blisters.  Plus it takes the itch away for a while.  I guess if it's somewhere else on your body, you could still do this, but might have to do it in the tub.  I would use like a cup of salt to a half gallon of water, roughly.

Answer 5

This won't treat the poison ivy but a cold pack will help stop the itching.An oatmeal bath can also help.