Poison ivy is a skin rash that is caused when a skin comes into the contact with the allergen called urushiol. This allergen is present in the plant like poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. As the name of the rash suggests, it is poisonous. A serious rash of poison ivy last for a month. And if it is not dealt with time the condition can worsen. As the phrase says “prevention is better than cure” similarly the ideal remedy for poison ivy rash is avoid direct contact with plants which causes poison ivy. However, if unfortunately you get a rash follow the remedies immediately. Read more to know, how long does poison ivy last and its remedies.
Symptoms of Poison Ivy Rash:
How Long Does Poison Ivy Last?
The stems and leaves of the poison ivy plants contain an allergen that is known as urushiol. When this allergen comes in contact with the body. It leads to poison ivy rash. The mild rash of poison ivy last for 5 to 12 days and the severe poison ivy lasts for a month.
1.) Rinse the Area to Get Rid of Poison Ivy
As soon as you come in the contact of the poison ivy plant, rinse your skin before the rash starts appear.Wash it thoroughly with cold water. To prevent the rash from spreading apply rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton ball in the rubbing alcohol and dab it on the affected skin. It will treat the rashes at the onset. Moreover, the rash won’t get worst. Rubbing alcohol may cause a burning sensation in the beginning. But that’s ok. Make sure that wash your skin properly. If not, treated immediately poison ivy last more than a month and damages the skin.
2.) Lemon Juice to Get Rid of Poison Ivy Rash
Another famous remedy for poison ivy is lemon juice. It is natural astringent. It removes the toxic oils that enter in the skin when it comes in the contact of the poison ivy plant. It is one of the immediate remedies. As soon as you get a rash apply lemon juice on it. It the beginning you will have a tingling effect bu that is not harmful to the skin. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it off with the cold water. Lemon might dry the skin. To avoid this apply a moisturizer.
3.) Oatmeal to Get Rid of Poison Ivy Rash
Oatmeal bath is also one of the effective remedies for poison ivy rash. It eliminates the allergen that causes the rash. For this blend a cup of oatmeal in the blender to a get a fine powder. Wrap this powder in the washcloth and tie it around the bathtub. Fill your bath tub with warm water. Add the washcloth in the bath water and soak your body into it. Remain in the tub for 30-40 minutes. It will calm down the rashes and prevent them from spreading further. It will also soothe your skin. Do this regularly to get rid of the poison ivy rash fast.
4.) Aloe-Vera to Get Rid of Poison Ivy
Talking about the skin problems then how can we forget Aloe-Vera, one solution to every skin problem. You name a property and it has that. It is that good for the skin. It beats the burn, provides the relief and does not let the rash to spread. As soon as you see a rash popping up apply a fresh Aloe-Vera gel on the affected skin. It will soothe the skin and control the itching. Apply it 3-4 times a day to treat poison ivy rash.
5.) Baking Soda to Get Rid of Poison Ivy Rash
Baking soda is also one of the excellent remedies when it comes to poison ivy. It speeds up the recovery. It works as a natural exfoliant that cleans the skin and removes the excess toxic oil. All you have to do is make a paste of the baking soda and water. Apply this paste on the affected skin. Leave it on for a few minutes. You do not have to rinse it as the baking soda will flack off. If the blister is severe then cover the area with the gauge pad. You can also add baking soda to your bath water to get rid of poison ivy rash. The water should be warm. However, do not leave it on for a long period because it dries the skin.
6.) Cold Compress to Treat the Poison Ivy Rash
The cold compress will promote the blood circulation and will soothe the affected skin. It will cure the itching and prevents further infection. All you have to do is wrap a few ice cubes in the paper towel or washcloth then place it on the affected skin. Do this many times a day. However, make sure that you do not apply ice cubes directly on the blister. It will worsen the case.
7.) Apple Cider Vinegar to Cure Poison Ivy
Apple cider vinegar is packed with the medicinal properties that come handy for treating the rash. It promotes the healing process and fades the rashes in the small course of time. As soon as you get the rash, wash it thoroughly with the cold water. Then pat it dry then spread the apple cider vinegar on the skin. You will sense the burning sensation in the beginning but will go away with the time. Apply it regularly to cure poison ivy rash.
8.) Antihistamines to Prevent Poison Ivy Rash
Antihistamines are medicines that help to treat the allergies and allergic reactions. It will cure the pain and provide you relief from the rash. It available in the tube from which you can apply on the affected skin or oral medicine that you can consume. Have it two times a day once in the morning and second before going to sleep. However, avoid antihistamines until the problem is too severe that can be dealt with other remedies.
9.) Witch Hazel to Prevent Poison Ivy Rash
Witch hazel works as an astringent. It fades the rashes and bruises. Moreover, it provides relief from the allergy. It also kills the allergens that lead to poison ivy. Soak a cotton swab in the witch hazel and apply it to the affected skin. Spread it properly. In the beginning, it might burn. However, make sure that you apply a thin layer of the witch hazel. A thick layer of the witch hazel might worsen the condition. Also, wash the skin before applying it. Apply it regularly otherwise poison ivy last longer and may spread in other body parts as well.
10.) Tea Tree Oil to Cure Poison Ivy Rash
Tea tree oil is an effective remedy for poison ivy rash. It will deal with the symptoms of the rash that are itching and swelling. The oil is too strong so do not apply it directly on the skin. Mix a few drops of water to it, then apply it. It works as a painkiller, therefore, it will treat the pain and promote the healing process. Apply tea tree oil 3-4 times a day until the rash fades away. Before applying it rinse the affected skin with cold water thoroughly.