For treating a poison ivy rash, several effective options are recommended:
- Topical treatments: Apply calamine lotion or creams containing menthol to soothe itching and dry out the rash. Hydrocortisone cream can also help reduce inflammation, though over-the-counter versions may not be strong enough for severe cases
- Cool compresses: Place cool, wet compresses on the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day to reduce itching and swelling
- Oatmeal or baking soda baths: Soaking in a cool bath with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda can relieve itching and soothe the skin
- Oral antihistamines: Taking oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin) may help relieve itching and improve sleep, though they do not eliminate the rash itself
- Avoid scratching: Scratching can worsen the rash and increase the risk of infection
- Immediate washing: If you come into contact with poison ivy, wash the skin and any contaminated clothing promptly with soap and water to reduce the reaction
For severe or widespread rashes, or if the rash involves sensitive areas such as the face or genitals, medical treatment with prescription corticosteroids may be necessary
. Avoid using antihistamine creams, anesthetic creams with benzocaine, or antibiotic creams with neomycin or bacitracin, as these can worsen the rash
. In summary, the primary substances to put on poison ivy rash are calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream (for mild cases), and to use cool compresses and oatmeal or baking soda baths to soothe the skin
