I have poison ivy! help!

Question

I have poison ivy all over my left arm! It itches SO BAD! any advice on how to get rid of it faster, or just stop itching it?

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Although the poison ivy rash itself is not contagious, the oil can spread to other areas of the body and from person to person if not quickly washed off after touching the plants. The rash can last from one to three weeks. If your rash is not improving after seven to 10 days, or you think your rash may be infected, see a dermatologist for special treatment.

Using a washcloth and applying some friction after soaping up can help remove more of the poison ivy oil to prevent further spreading. However, it won't help with existing rashes. Be sure to put the washcloth in the washer right after using it to prevent others from getting the poison ivy themselves.

If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, you experience swelling, or you have many rashes or blisters, go to the emergency room right away.
 

Assuming that you are not experiencing a serious reaction, here are some tips for treating the rash and easing the itch at home:

1. Immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy water. If you can rinse your skin immediately after touching poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, you may be able to rinse off some of the oil. This helps ensure that the oil does not spread to other areas of the body and cause additional rashes.
    
2. Wash your clothing. Thoroughly wash all of the clothes you were wearing when you came into contact with the poisonous plant. The oil can stick to clothing, and if it touches your skin, it can cause another rash.
    
3. Wash everything that may have the oil on its surface. Besides clothing, the oil from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can stick to many surfaces, including gardening tools, golf clubs, leashes and even a pet’s fur. Be sure to rinse your pet’s fur, and wash tools and other objects with warm, soapy water.
    
4. Do not scratch, as scratching can cause an infection.
    
5. Leave blisters alone. If blisters open, do not remove the overlying skin, as the skin can protect the raw wound underneath and prevent infection.
    
6. Take short, lukewarm baths. To ease the itch, take short, lukewarm baths in a colloidal oatmeal preparation, which you can buy at your local drugstore. You can also draw a bath and add one cup of baking soda to the running water. Taking short, cool showers may also help.
    
7. Consider calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Apply calamine lotion to skin that itches. If you have a mild case, a hydrocortisone cream or lotion may also help.
    
8. Apply cool compresses to the itchy skin. You can make a cool compress by wetting a clean washcloth with cold water and wringing it out so that it does not drip. Then, apply the cool cloth to the itchy skin.
    
9. Consider taking antihistamine pills. These pills can help reduce itching, however use with caution. You should not apply a topical antihistamine to your skin, as doing so can worsen the rash and the itch.
   
   Information courtesy of The American Academy of Dermatology and Extreme Deer Habitat website

Comments

Thank you so much I will definitely do this thanks again!

Answer 2

Use natural remedies

Answer 3

1 word mud.

Answer 4

I recommend cool showers, oatmeal baths, and calamine lotion. Cut your nails really short and wear gloves at night to stop itching. My mom says, if necessary, put tape on your finger tips.

Answer 5

Go to sleep I would do that so that I dont ich