Home Remedy For Poison Ivy
There are times we can not avoid to encounter getting contacted with poison ivy plants. But even so, we need knowledge on how to deal when the situation occurs. There are a lot of tips on home remedy for poison ivy. It is very important to treat the effect immediately because poison ivy rash usually clears on its own by 14-21 days. Right at home (kitchen) are lots of remedies to treat poison ivy rash. If you do not have Calamine in store, at least you can do something about the problem.
If you got in contact with the plant and you have mineral spirits or Tecnu, apply these before symptoms show up because the earlier the treatment, the sooner the symptom goes away. Do not scratch the affected area or it will cause infection (and further spreading if the oil is in your hands).
The best home remedy for poison ivy is to wash or soak the affected part with lukewarm water to open the skin pores. This should be done within 30 minutes after contact with the plant. Some people suggest that applying toothpaste on the area for 5-10 minutes twice a day for three days will help drive the symptoms away. Others say that putting hairspray or clear nail polish or white shoe polish remover on the affected skin is another home remedy for poison ivy as these dry the area up and get rid of the rash quickly.
Some folks share about using plain table salt as home remedy for poison ivy. By wetting the effected area and rubbing the table salt on it, stopping the spread and fast relief are achieved. Vinegars like apple cider vinegar or white distilled vinegar sprinkled on the area is also a good remover of the ‘poison’.
Application of crushed jewelweed leaves is also a good home remedy for poison ivy. This weed is commonly available in damp areas. Another plant related remedy is the banana peeling. Its inside part which is used to rub the rash brings instant cooling action. Another herbal medicine is the famous aloe vera.
Moreover, some people have also proven that using rubbing alcohol on the infected area, rinsing it with water, and washing it with soap and warm water consequently are effective steps. Other people opt to use dishwashing liquid because of its anti grease property.
Cooled boiled oatmeal in water can also be applied on the skin in thick layer. When it dries, it hardens giving relief to the sufferer. Some people add one or two tablespoons of baking soda to acquire extra relief from oozing and itching. Baking soda alone can also be a homemade cure. The sufferer may either immerse in a soothing baking soda bath or just mix three teaspoons of baking soda with one teaspoon water to form a thick paste which will be applied to the effected area.
However, if the sufferer has rapid and unusually high swelling and redness, it is better to consult the doctor. Any performed home remedy for poison ivy should be reported too even if home remedies pose not much harm.