Are There Any Cures for Poison Ivy?

There are many cures for poison ivy. Many people treat themselves at home by taking home remedies or with the use of some over the counter drugs, you should also be aware that doctor prescribed steroid-like drugs would react faster to the rash. In the rare event of a case of poison ivy where the condition is very severe you would need to see a medical doctor. Keep in mind the number one way to cure poison ivy is to stay away from it. To begin with, by simply educating yourself about the plant you will know what it looks like and to stay away from it. But mistakes will always happen so you will also have to learn other ways to treat and cure poison ivy.

If you were to come into contact with the plant the first thing you would need to do is to immediately wash the area of skin that was exposed with soap and water, as well as your clothing and any thing else that came into contact with the plant. You should wash your skin with cold water, because hot water will open the pores making it easier for the poison to be absorbed.

An over the counter drug such as calamine lotion would help relieve itching in minor cases. Taking a cold bath is also very helpful. There is an old superstitious story that says eating the poison ivy and rubbing it on your skin is a way of immunization, but this should not be practiced because this is not a medical fact and is an old wives tale cure that could have fatal results. An over the counter anti inflammatory or antihistamine can also used to help lessen the discomfort of the rash as excess histamine in the blood is what causes the incessant itch of poison ivy and most other rashes.

There are many different types of home remedies for curing poison ivy, like milk baths which may alleviate itching, although they do not cure the rash. The best thing you can take is to take antihistamines, avoid scratching as this may leave scars, lather yourself in calamine lotion in all affected areas and do something to avoid concentrating on the itch like watching television or reading a good book or resting as poison ivy can also be accompanied by fever and headaches which are very draining. There is no instant miracle cure for poison ivy, the best you can do is make yourself comfortable for the duration and ride it out.

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