The itch and allergy caused by poison ivy, the sap of poison oak plant, can be very severe and home remedies for poison ivy can provide immediate relief, prevention and reduction in its severity. The rashes formed due to poison ivy may sometimes take more than two weeks to vanish. The rashes are not contagious but the sap of the plant can spread from one source to another.
The best home remedy for poison ivy is its prevention, if any exposed part of the body has grazed against the poison ivy plant washing and rubbing the affected part first with alcohol than rinsing it with water and washing it again with soap and water can restrict the effect of poison ivy to a large extent if not completely. Not touching any person or pet which has come from a poison ivy infested area is a good precaution to follow.
The other effective home remedy for poison ivy rash is another plant known as jewelweed. This is a common weed, crushed leaves of this plant applied topically on the rash in the form of a paste alleviates the irritation and itch of the rash. Another home remedy for poison ivy is the paste of oatmeal. Boiling oatmeal with water to form a paste and the paste applied directly on the rash when it is warm, till it dries and forms a thick layer, treats this rash very well. One or two teaspoons of baking soda can be added to it for faster relief.
Applying a paste of baking soda and water to the rash or bathing in a tub of water with two or three tablespoon of baking soda mixed with it, provides immense relief from the itch and pain. Washing the rash with vinegar vigorously also alleviates the problem.
Application of aloe vera gel is also useful in treating poison ivy rash. Banana peel and banana skin also treats this problem wonderfully well. The inside of banana peel rubbed on the rash provides instant relief while in some cases even the rub of banana skin have also treated the poison ivy magically.
Few compounds generally used for washing and cleaning things are also wonderful home remedies for poison ivy. Washing the affected part with dish washing soap or liquid can remove the poison. Taking one-third part of bleach and two-third part of water and washing the rash with it, also removes the poison in 2-3 days.
Increased intake of vitamin C also works as good home remedy for poison ivy it stops the poison from spreading. Consumption of zinc is also very useful for controlling the effect of poison ivy and calcium and beta carotene helps in boosting the immunity system which eventually helps the body in removing the poison.
Another very effective home remedy for poison ivy is made by mixing cornstarch or Epsom salt with water to form a paste, later applying on the rash can alleviate the problem magically. Application of calendula lotion or calamine lotion can also check the spread of poison and soothes the pain and oozing of the rash.
