Poison ivy creates misery by excreting urushiol oil, which most people are allergic to. When it gets on the skin, it causes itching, burning and inflammation. Scratching at it just makes the problem worse, since it spreads urushiol oil further across the skin and infects a wider area. The best remedy for poison ivy is simply to avoid coming into contact with it: wear long pants, sleeves and gloves in danger areas, and wash them with detergent immediately. In the event you contract a poison ivy rash, however, you can take several steps to alleviate it.
Medicines
Topical medication and certain types of oral medication can reduce the worst of the poison ivy symptoms. Doctors recommend using corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, which can be directly applied to the skin, or oral antihistamines, which can be purchased over the counter. You can also use calamine lotion, aloe vera or any topical ointments contain menthol to help soothe the rash. In severe cases, a doctor can prescribe stronger corticosteroids for you, though you should never take any prescription medication without a physician's approval first.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal differs from its breakfast counterpart in that it isn't eaten. Instead, you mix it in a bath and soak in it, which reduces the symptoms of poison ivy. Slowly pour a cup of colloidal oatmeal into a bathtub filled with cool water--don't use hot water because it dries out the skin--then soak in it for 15 minutes to half an hour. Colloidal oatmeal can be slippery, so be careful when you step out of the tub. Dab yourself dry with the softest towel you can find; don't rub or else you will further inflame the rash. A colloidal oatmeal soak will keep the symptoms in check for several hours and you can take more baths as needed.
Cold Compresses
Cold compresses are easy to make and can bring fast relief if you're out hiking or don't have access to more serious medication. Soak a soft washcloth in the coldest water you can find and/or wrap it in ice if you have any. Press it gently against the area affected by the poison ivy and hold it there for 15 minutes to half an hour. The heat from the rash will melt the ice and warm up the water, so refresh it periodically when needed. The compress will keep the skin from drying out and reduce inflammation until you can apply more serious medication. Apply new compresses several times a day as needed.
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