Unluckily, bicycle rides and camping trips may result in nasty cases of poison sumac, ivy, and oak. In addition, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that the itchy, blistering rash triggered by these plants is attributed to oil known as urushiol. Moreover, it is sticky oil present in the roots, leaves, and stems of these plants. It can easily stick to your clothes and skin.
It is important to understand that a poison sumac, oak, or ivy rash isn’t contagious. But, it can be extremely uncomfortable. The most common symptoms include blisters, swelling, itching, and redness. Poison sumac, oak, and ivy, rashes usually heal on their own in several weeks.
– Dishwashing Liquid.
Simply rub some dishwashing liquid onto the affected area at the first sign of a poison sumac, ivy, or oak rash. You should not wash off the liquid. Keep washing the affected area with dishwashing liquid once on a daily basis until you feel relief. This trick is also useful for relieving mosquito bites.
– Apple Cider Vinegar.
ACV helps get rid of the poison that triggers the rash. The only thing you need to do is soak a brown paper bag in some ACV, and place it on the affected area in order to draw out the toxins.
– Watermelon Rind.
You should consume a watermelon without throwing away the rind. Namely, you can use the rind as a cold compress to alleviate the itching triggered by poison ivy.
– Buttermilk.
Buttermilk is rich in protein that could help alleviate itchiness and drain fluid from poison ivy blisters. Furthermore, to use, combine same amounts of vinegar, buttermilk, and salt, and apply the mixture to the itchy, blistering rash. In case you find that heat could help relieve the itchiness, you should combine warm water with buttermilk and use it to wash the affected area.
– Oatmeal.
This natural remedy could help eliminate the poisonous serum from blistering rashes. That’s not all, it could also help reduce inflammation and dry sores. Simply pour oats in your bath and take a soak, or apply them directly to the affected area.
– Baking Soda. Combine 1 tsp. of water with 3 tsp. of baking soda, and then apply it to the rash. The mixture will dry as well as flake off. Also, you may want to soak gauze pads in a greater amount of the remedy and then apply them to the affected area for about 10 minutes, 4 times a day.
– Cucumber. Cucumber has excellent cooling properties. So, you may want to apply mashed cucumber or cucumber slices to the affected area to speed up the healing process.
– Lemon Juice and Turmeric. You should prepare a homemade remedy to make the rash less irritating by combining same amounts of lime or lemon juice with turmeric. Next, apply it to the affected area and allow it to act for about 15 minutes. You will be amazed by the results.
