2006-09-12 08:00:08 · 10 answers · asked by Kimm O 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
Treating Poison Ivy Exposures
If you are exposed, according to the FDA, you should quickly (within 10 minutes):
first, cleanse exposed areas with rubbing alcohol.
next, wash the exposed areas with water only (no soap yet, since soap can move the urushiol, which is the oil from the poison ivy that triggers the rash, around your body and actually make the reaction worse).
now, take a shower with soap and warm water.
lastly, put gloves on and wipe everything you had with you, including shoes, tools, and your clothes, with rubbing alcohol and water.
Unfortunately, if you wait more than 10 minutes, the urushiol will likely stay on your skin and trigger the poison ivy rash. You may not be able to stop it on your skin, but you might still scrub your nails and wipe off your shoes, etc., so that you don't spread the urushiol to new areas.
Commercial products, like Zanfel, Ivy Cleanse Towelettes, and Tecnu Extreme Poison Ivy Scrub, are also available over-the-counter, if you don't want to use rubbing alcohol.
Remember that poison ivy isn't contagious though, so touching the rash won't actually spread it.
Since your kids get poison ivy a lot, having a 'poison ivy action kit' ready, with rubbing alcohol, a large bottle of water, and some soap, might be a good idea. Since rubbing alcohol can be poisonous, children should be supervised with it though and it is not something you should send off into the woods with them.
Preventing Poison Ivy
In addition to getting rid of poison ivy when you find it, you can avoid poison ivy by:
wearing long pants and a shirt with long sleeves, boots and gloves when your kids will be most at risk, especially when playing in wooden areas, around lakes, or going on hikes
apply Ivy-Block to exposed areas
2006-09-12 08:01:49 · answer #1 · answered by god knows and sees else Yahoo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
What is the best home remedy for poison ivy? I am pregnant, so there is a lot I can't take - medicine wise.
2015-08-26 11:45:25 · answer #2 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrocortisone 1% cream is safe to use in pregnancy. Always check with your OB before you put on anything though. A Derm. can prescribe some stronger steroid creams that are safe during pregnancy but your asking for home remedies. If it's a small patch, baking soda and water (make a paste out of it) may help, but poison ivy can get pretty severe if left untreated so I think you should act fast.
2006-09-12 11:28:26 · answer #3 · answered by Jaded 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calamine lotion. A cool bath and then the calamine or caladryl lotion. Keep it cool the hot will make it itch worse. If you cant stand it, try ice cubes. Calamine will not hurt you when you are pregnant but look at the lables anyways.
2006-09-12 08:41:17 · answer #4 · answered by RSK 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that the only thing you can ever do for poison ivy is cover it with calamine lotion to help ease the itch.
2006-09-12 08:04:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
About the only thing you can use is topical - dabbing a paste of baking soda on the area should help to relieve the itchiness. consult your doctor if it gets worse. Keeping yourself in a cool climate controlled room also helps. Nothing worse than getting hot and sweaty. good luck
2006-09-12 08:24:10 · answer #6 · answered by tampico 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's mostly oil clean and dry is the fastest way don't be touching everywhere .Put some peptobismo( the Pink stuff ) on it let it dry that helps draw it out. that works real good for sun burn too because as it drys it pulls the sting out, It is a bit messy but it works
2006-09-12 08:05:17 · answer #7 · answered by mike L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
calamin lotion or baking soda make a paste out of it
2006-09-12 08:03:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calamine Lotion
2006-09-12 08:02:59 · answer #9 · answered by Kris 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
aveeno has a collodial oatmeal bath you can use to help the itch
2006-09-12 14:38:16 · answer #10 · answered by Roxyanna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋