Use
An over-the-counter antihistamine that won't make you so drowsy is loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, others). Soak the affected area in a cool-water bath that has about a half cup (100 grams) of baking soda or an oatmeal-based bath product (Aveeno) in it.
Antihistamines — Antihistamines do not help to relieve itching caused by poison ivy dermatitis.
Treatments that may help relieve the itching, soreness, and discomfort caused by poison ivy dermatitis include: Skin treatments — For some people, adding oatmeal to a bath, applying cool wet compresses, and applying calamine lotion may help to relieve itching.
Use an Anti-Itch Cream or Lotion
Calamine lotion is particularly helpful at relieving the itching caused by poison ivy. And if you have a very mild rash, then hydrocortisone cream is another excellent option to consider.
Applying topical OTC skin protectants, such as zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, zinc oxide, and calamine dry the oozing and weeping of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Protectants such as baking soda or colloidal oatmeal relieve minor irritation and itching. Aluminum acetate is an astringent that relieves rash.
An oily substance in the plants called urushiol causes the allergic reaction. The allergic reaction causes a rash followed by bumps and blisters that itch. Eventually, the blisters break, ooze, and then crust over.
At night, the body's production of corticosteroids that reduce inflammation also slows down. It releases more cytokines at night, which increases inflammation. A combination of these two factors can make night itching worse.
Corticosteroids for poison ivy
Oral tablets (usually prednisone) dramatically reduce symptoms in people who have a severe reaction to poison ivy and are usually prescribed short-term. Prolonged use can cause bone changes, skin thinning, an increased risk of infection and stomach ulcers.
Most cases of poison ivy go away on their own in 1 to 3 weeks. After about a week, the blisters should start to dry up and the rash will begin to fade. Severe cases may last longer, have worse symptoms, and cover more of your body.
Do not use rubbing alcohol, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide as a treatment for poison ivy. These items will irritate the rash more than soothe symptoms.
It may seem like your poison ivy rash is spreading over time, but there are a few possible explanations. Different parts of the body tend to absorb urushiol at different rates. You could also have urushiol trapped under your fingernails or continued exposure to contaminated objects.
Try calamine lotion for a rash caused by contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy or poison oak rashes. For severe itching from contact dermatitis, apply hydrocortisone cream 4 times a day until the itch is gone. But don't use this cream on a fungal rash, because it can make the rash worse.
Aloe Vera
Well, it can have the same soothing and calming effect on poison ivy rashes, too, thanks to its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. If you happen to have an aloe vera plant on hand, you can cut open a leave and squeeze the gel out from inside.
After coming into contact with these poison plants, showering rather than taking a bath is always recommended. As soothing as a nice, hot bath may sound, it can potentially make your rash worse. Upon submerging yourself in water, there is a chance that the oil on your skin can lift, and settle on top of the water.
Baking soda is a protectant that can relieve minor irritation and itching caused by poison ivy rashes. You can add one cup of baking soda to a lukewarm bath or make a paste to apply directly to the skin by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water until it is the consistency of a paste.
Chamomile, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, peppermint and tea tree oils used on their own or together can be helpful against poison ivy rashes.
Medications that help relieve itching include: Antihistamines (allergy pills): These include Benadryl, Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin (loratadine), prescription Clarinex (desloratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine). Anti-itch creams: Topical corticosteroids may be helpful for small itchy areas. like those from bug bites.
Zyrtec is used in adults and children to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. Zyrtec is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives).
Swimming in salty water may temporarily relieve symptoms from poison ivy, but it's not guaranteed to completely remove the plant from your skin or clothing. If you're experiencing severe itching and irritation, see a doctor for professional help before trying this home remedy yourself.