i was in the woods and got coaught in it would alcohal help
2007-07-27 06:15:42 · 11 answers · asked by sam c 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
Alcohol will dry it up, causing the postules to crack and ooze - thus spreading more. It might also increase itchiness. Don't know if I would go that route.
As a kid I used to play in the woods etc since they were everywhere. I can really only give you the 4 tips, but they always worked for me:
1. Aveeno Oatmeal Bath + lukewarm water.
2. Calamine lotion - apply liberally to legs.
3. Don't scratch!!!
4. Make sure you wash those pants before re-wearing them. The oils can get trapped on the fabric and if you have any open sores/scratches you'll just be giving it back to yourself.
Another thing, I remember I had a crazy teacher once that flipped out about the poison ivy on my hands. She put a bandage over it. Big mistake, this traps all the heat/moisture and it caused those postules to ooze even more and spread. I'd avoid super hot showers/baths - keep it lukewarm. A hot shower will open up your pores, ie open up those itchy bumps. You might rinse some of it away, but after your shower they'll still be oozing and the itching will be more intense.
Good luck!
2007-07-27 06:24:25 · answer #1 · answered by Jessica B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calmine helps, but soaking in Epsom salt / water (cheap, found in drugstores) can help dry it up quickly and inexpensively. For the itching, just take a regular Benedryl. Also, stay out of the sun . . . some people mistakenly think mild sunburns help acne, bug bites and poison ivy, but this is the OPPOSITE of what you should do. Sleep in soft cotton, or just sheets. Whatever you do, avoid scratching, as this can scar skin!
2007-07-27 14:18:23 · answer #2 · answered by annelikes2fly 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best product can be found in local drug stores, called IVAREST. Runs about 30 bucks but its a good buy. Should have that annoying rash gone in about 3-5 days.
2007-07-27 13:23:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We're all presuming you've already washed thoroughly with soap & water, right? You have to get all the oil off. And throw the clothes right in the wash with hot water. Don't let them touch anything.
2007-07-27 13:24:57 · answer #4 · answered by motherseer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alcohol does not help. You may need to see a physician for a steroid prescription if you are allergic. Otherwise it will just go away on it's own.
2007-07-27 14:01:05 · answer #5 · answered by Miss Kim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put calamine lotion on the area. It absorbs the itchy oil, stopping it from spreading. But what ever you do don't scratch the area.
2007-07-27 13:25:36 · answer #6 · answered by geessewereabove 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one mentioned Benadryl. I would do everything jessicaB says and also take Benadryl or some antihistamine to help with the itching.
2007-07-27 13:27:30 · answer #7 · answered by Cat onahottinroof 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you havent scratched it and it isnt broken open, you can cotton ball bleach on there a few times, but NOT if its been scratched or broken
2007-07-27 13:25:16 · answer #8 · answered by flyersfan19701 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Owie!
Yes it would. At least, it would relieve the itch. And lots of calamine lotion, too.
2007-07-27 15:26:24 · answer #9 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Visit your doctor and have him/her provide you with a prescription.
2007-07-27 13:24:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋