Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac - Treatment

Because it takes several weeks for these rashes to go away, you may want to use some over-the-counter products and at-home-remedies for symptom relief.

OVER-THE-COUNTER PRODUCTS
Hydrocortisone Cream
- Hydrocortisone cream (0.5% to 1%) applied to the affected skin area can help relieve itching.
Calamine lotion
- Calamine lotion applied to the affected skin area can help relieve itching and cool the skin.
Antihistamine
- Antihistamines taken by mouth such as Diphenhydramine can also help relieve itching and allow you to sleep better.
- Examples of antihistamines include: diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Astringents
- Astringents can help stop or reduce the oozing of fluids from blisters. They usually come in the form of a solution. So, they can be used as soaks or compresses/wet dressings.
- Examples of astringents include: aluminum acetate (Burrow’s solution), zinc oxide, zinc acetate, sodium bicarbonate, calamine, and witch hazel.

AT-HOME-REMEDIES
Cool, moist cloth
- Apply a cool, moist cloth onto the skin to soothe the skin and relieve itching.  
Luke-warm shower
- Take a luke-warm shower to relieve itching. An Aveeno oatmeal bath may also help soothe the skin.
Cut fingernails and wear gloves
- Cut your finger nails and wear gloves to bed to prevent scratching. Your rash can spread throughout the body if it is scratched because the oil is physically being moved from one area of the body to another.

PLEASE SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU:
- Have a rash that covers a large part of the body.
- Have a rash that is on sensitive areas of the body, including your face, eyes, and genitalia.
- Have a rash that is infected. Signs of infection include pus oozing out from skin.
- Have difficulty with breathing or swallowing.
- Are younger than 2 years old

Want To Learn More?