Home Remedy for Poison Ivy?
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Anything good for acne helps poision ivy. There are many good over-the-counter treatments now, but the best thing is the prescription stuff. You will have to see the doctor to get it, and if the rash is real bad, then steroid pills and/or shots.
Use lots of soap on it, a lye soap or something harsh. Wash often and scrub good. Don't use hot water, use cool. Also can put ice or cool on it when it is itching.
Avoid exposure as much as possible, there's an over the counter protectant being sold now. Drier skin soaks up the poison which is an oil (Urushiol), so if you have a sunscreen or bug repellant, use an oily one. When exposed, you have 3 (THREE) minutes to wash it off or you'll get the itch! So I take a bottle of dish or liquid soap and some water with me. After 3 minutes, you still need to wash, it will help and also stop the spread. Alcohol can also wash the poison off, but will leave skin extra dry so only use if you won't be re-exposed.
Animals carry the oil on their fur, but I've heard they never get the itchy rash. Tools will carry the poison, I've read it will last as long as 5 years! Wash clothes in hot water and rinse well. Wash chairs, shoes, everything that might have oil on it. Some of that maybe use alcohol on.
How are you going to get rid of it on your property?
I read recently that poison ivy loves extra carbon dioxide and pollution plus global warming is causing the plants to take over and spread like crazy. They said it was also having a stronger poison and causing worse rashes.
To weed, here's a trick-put a plastic bag over your hand and up your arm. Grab the weed, pull and cover with the bag, without ever touching it. (Doesn't work if it's too big.) Also goats, they will eat it all!
Live well and do good.
Soak in bathtub of oatmeal!
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