How to Dry Up Poison Ivy

Poison ivy rash is a skin disorder or an allergy that is caused when a person comes in contact with a toxic plant called poison ivy. It contains a type of oil called 'urushiol' that irritates the skin and causes rashes. The rashes appear within twelve to forty eight hours after contact and it can remain up to eight weeks or so. The severity of the rash depends on the amount of urushiol that contacts the skin. A person affected by poison ivy reaction usually experiences itching, redness of skin, inflammation, swelling and also blisters. Face, hands, arms and legs are the areas that are most likely to be affected by poison ivy rash. Most of them are self help treatments. However, if the rash is severe then it is advisable to visit a doctor and take appropriate medication.

Home Remedies to Treat Poison Ivy Rash

Poison ivy rashes look very unpleasant and causes a lot of irritation. As mentioned earlier, one doesn't need to visit the doctor unless the rash is too severe. For rashes that are not too severe; the home remedies listed below could help relieve the rashes and can fasten the drying up procedure.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of water with 3 teaspoons of either baking soda, cornstarch or oatmeal. Make a fine paste and apply it on the affected area. This is known to be one of the best cures for poison ivy.
• Skin lotions such as Calamine and Calendula lotions are effective in reducing the itchiness and heals the rash faster.
• Applying coolants such as aloe vera juice/aloe vera gel and watermelon rind can help soothe the irritation and inflammation and it quickens the process of drying up.
• Applying cool compresses on the affected area many times a day for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes each is an effective method to dry up poison ivy fast.
• Applying a mixture of warm water and salt on the affected area helps in drying up poison ivy rash fast. I know it already sounds painful but, it really helps in getting rid of those rashes quickly.
• Application of tea tree oil is an effective remedy to cure such rashes.
• Using an oatmeal soap or taking an oatmeal bath also helps reduce the symptoms of poison ivy rash and provides relief.
• Mix equal portions of salt, vinegar and buttermilk and apply it on the rash. Although, it is a little painful with the salt and vinegar in there, it helps in drying up the rash quickly.
• Rubbing a banana peel on the rash helps relieve itching and irritation of the skin.
• Applying alcohol/apple cider vinegar by dabbing it on the affected area with cotton or a piece of cloth also relieves the irritation and quickens the process of drying up the poison ivy rash.
• Rubbing the affected area with jewelweed leaves reduces the skin rash and irritation and also helps in drying up the rash quickly.

These are some of the natural treatments that one could try when attacked by the poisonous plant. I hope this article on how to dry up poison ivy rash has helped you in knowing some new home cures to feel better from that itching and irritation. I repeat, if you don't find the rashes disappearing in about three to four days after you've tried any one of the above mentioned remedies or if you don't find any relief in spite of taking over-the-counter medicines and creams, then you must visit a doctor who will prescribe you an antibiotic. In most cases, though, these remedies do work in curing poison ivy rashes.