There are so many different options when trying to find a poison ivy treatment. How do you know which is best for you? There are different ways of treating, from prevention to prescription medications to treat the worst poison ivy outbreaks. Where does your poison ivy rash fit? The severity of the symptoms as well as how sensitive you are to poison ivy all play into the decision on how best to get poison ivy treatment. On a one to five rating, here is the best plan for treatment for you:
1. Poison ivy is barely a nuisance.
The best poison ivy treatment for you is to simply wash off the oils with one of the soaps available that work to break down or absorb the oil that makes poison ivy toxic. While you are barely reacting now, if you continue to be exposed you could eventually become more allergic and at some point it will not just be a nuisance anymore.
2. Poison ivy makes me itch but I can handle it.
Washing off the oils is important for you as well. The best course of poison ivy treatment from here is to treat the itch and make sure it does not get worse. Hot water or hot air can simulate the histamines that are released naturally when you scratch without damaging your skin. If needed, a topical cream or calamine lotion can be applied. Calamine lotion is very distinctively pink in color, so consider this before applying.
3. Poison ivy makes me itch horribly.
If you are in this category you will want to make sure you have washed all the toxic oil off our skin as soon as possible. If you are already itching, be sure to not scratch and consider trying either an anti-itch cream. If you prefer natural remedies, the best poison ivy treatment is an oatmeal bath or compress. Take old fashioned oats and soak them in hot water in a cloth bag then apply to the affected area, or bathe with the bag of oats. For a typical bath you will need two to three cups of oats to have it be effective.
4. Poison ivy makes me break out in sores.
At this point, the best poison ivy treatment is prevention. Be sure you know what poison ivy looks like and try your best to avoid it. There are products available that will keep the oil from binding to your skin such as Ivy Block that should be utilized. Wear long pants and be careful when removing clothing if you think you have come into contact with poison ivy. If you are not completely certain that you dodged all the poison ivy, use the soap designed for poison ivy treatment as a preventative.
5. Poison ivy makes me need to go to the emergency room.
You would be best to be certain to avoid poison ivy completely. This does not mean you cannot go outdoors but you need to be careful and if you are going to be near it at all be sure to use Ivy Block or some other similar product. Wear disposable rubber gloves when removing your clothing if you are even remotely worried about having come into contact with poison ivy.
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