The urushiol oil in poison ivy causes terrible rashes, itching and swelling when people brush up against it. Doctors usually recommend topical treatment such as hydrocortisone for poison ivy (or more powerful corticosteroids in extreme cases). You can augment their recommendations with a number of natural treatments however. There are ways to alleviate the itching and swelling without resorting to serious medication. Most can be applied very easily without soliciting a doctor's advice, and can be a life-saver if you run into poison ivy without ready access to medical facilities.
Topical Treatments
A number of topical treatments work well for poison ivy rashes. Aloe vera soothes the skin and reduces irritation, as does calamine lotion and any creams with menthol in them. Such ingredients are all-natural, used in the days before complicated chemicals, and remain extremely effective today. In addition, you can avoid a lot of misery simply by not scratching at the rash left by poison ivy. Scratching spreads the urushiol oil further across your skin, and gets it on your fingers to boot. Natural topical creams may reduce the itch, but a hefty amount of willpower makes a first-rate form of medication as well.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal differs from the breakfast kind in that you don't eat it. Instead, you mix it in a bath and soak in it in order to soothe and moisturize your skin. Blend a cup of colloidal oatmeal into cool or lukewarm water as you draw the bath (don't use hot water; it dries out the skin), then soak in it for 15 to 30 minutes. Repeat the process as often as necessary to keep the symptoms in check--it works for about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the severity of the rash. Take care when stepping out of the tub when you're done--colloidal oatmeal can be slippery--and gently blot yourself dry rather than rubbing.
Cold Compresses
Cold compresses are extremely easy to make and can address both the swelling and the itching by lowering the temperature of your skin. Soak a washcloth in ice-cold water or wrap it in ice cubes. Hold the cloth gently but firmly against the rash for 15 to 30 minutes. If the water warms up or the ice melts, refresh the cloth and continue holding it against the rash. You can repeat the process several times a day and use it in addition to any other methods you may be trying.
Tags: your skin, against rash, itching swelling