How do you get rid of posion ivy on your skin?

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If you realize it quickly enough---within 5 minutes-you may be able to wash it off without a reaction. It's worth a try! Wash the skin with soap and water (throwing your clothing in the washer or somewhere safe til you can wash). If you don't have running water, try a stream, lake, pond--whatever is near. Also, don't forget that your shoes will have the sap on them too, so care for those as well. Another note: even if it's been more than 5 minutes, wash your hands and any areas you think may have been exposed. My husband unknowingly rubbed the sap into his eye area last year and it was rather nasty.

-The second thing to remember: not everyone reacts the same. About 15 percent of people are truly "allergic" to these plants and instead of the usual 24-48 hours before reacting they may start into 4-12 and it may be severe. If you notice swelling or large blisters this early, especially on the face, get them to a medical facility quickly. If you, or a family member, has trouble breathing at any point after being exposed, or the blisters are in the eye area call a doctor or hospital.

-Do not use topical creams/gels that contain benzocaine, zirconium or antihistamines. They can cause an extra reaction and may make it worse. Place a cool damp cloth on the effected area and sit where a fan can blow over the compress. It will help the skin not feel so hot, and cut down on the itching and oozing. Of course, the old standby, Calamine lotion can be used as well.

-Take lukewarm baths with 1/2 cup of cornstarch and/or baking soda. You can also add some oatmeal to a clean sock, tie it and add it to the bath. After it's wet, then squeeze it and it will cloud up the water and relieve the itching some. The water must be lukewarm, never hot.

-Try covering any oozing blisters with a clean piece of gauze that has been soaked in baking soda and water.

-The sap can get on pet fur and then spread to you or the kids. Try to be aware of their exposure if you can.

-One more warning--just because you react mildly the first time, does not mean it will be like that the second exposure. Often if will be a worse reaction each time. So, don't take that mild reaction lightly

Other Answers:
Sorry about your misfortune, but calamine lotion should soothe the itch. Benadryl should prevent the continuation of allergic reaction to the urishiol, which is the stuff that we're allergic to.

if yu have coconut oil apply ,,calamine should help as well

Hydrocortisone cream will take it away.

put some anti itch cream on it

go to www.homeopathyworks.com. Order some Poison Ivy pills. They really work. Will dry it up in no time. Also, you can take a pill whenever you think you might have been exposed to it, and it will keep you from getting it.

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How do you get rid of posion ivy on your skin?

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