Natural Cures for Poison Ivy Itches

If you enjoy wilderness adventures, then you must be familiar with itching caused by poison ivy. This is a plant that causes dermatitis. This is a skin condition caused by a certain allergen found in poison ivy, called urushiol. It produces a rash that is pretty unpleasant. Luckily there are plenty of treatments out there, that can get rid of this condition, but nothing beats the natural ones. So let’s take a look at some natural alternatives.

 

Natural Cures

While there are plenty of conventional treatments for poison ivy rashes, lots of creams and gels are normally made from synthetic ingredients. So, let’s take a look at some natural alternatives instead. Please note that the following treatments can also be used for poison oak and poison sumac rashes.

Baking soda

A paste made from baking soda and water can do wonders for your rash. Freshen this mixture every 2 hours and apply on a daily basis. You could even take a baking soda bath before going to bed.

White vinegar

The efficacy of white vinegar to ease the pain caused by the rash has been known and used centuries. Simply apply it to a cotton ball and gently rub it onto the area that hurts and itches. Do this  several times a day.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a central ingredient in anti-itching creams (both natural and pharmaceutical ones). It has anti-inflammatory properties that will ease the itch caused by poison ivy.

 Oatmeal

A simple oatmeal bath does wonders for blistered or irritated skin. It contains nutrients that give oatmeal a protective role.

Banana peels

A simple remedy is to rub a few  banana peels on the rashes. These peels will reduce and soothe the inflammation, due to their high content of antioxidants and minerals. These components aid the skin to restore itself in a natural manner.

Potato paste

The calming effects of potato paste has been known for many of years. Mix some white potatoes in a blender and apply the paste on the affected area.

Lemon juice

The acid found in lemon juice acts as a natural astringent. This juice is quite effective in treating poison ivy rashes. Apply it soon after you get in contact with the irritating leaf, before the plant’s oil has time to get into your skin.

The importance of preparation

Clearly, most remedies for poison ivy rashes involve ingredients that are easily found around the house, or that are pretty inexpensive. So if you’re planning on camping these days or going through areas with poison ivy, you have to be prepared. Note that the remedies listed above are cures for poison ivy, oak or sumac.  Add one of these ingredients in your bag and carry them with you, so that you can be well prepared. Remember that alcohol also helps and you can wash the rash with a few drops of it to prevent it from spreading as well.