Experienced campers and hikers will be familiar with the unpleasant itching caused by contact with poison ivy. Many summer camping or hiking trips have been cut short because a family member was afflicted with contact dermatitis – a skin condition caused by an allergen found in poison ivy, urushiol, which produces an extremely itchy rash that can make outdoor excursions a misery for those allergic to it.
While conventional treatments for poison ivy rashes are plentiful, these creams and gels are almost always made from synthetic ingredients that have little appeal to health-minded individuals. 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.
List of natural remedies include:
Baking soda – A paste comprised of baking soda and water can do wonders for a poison ivy rash. Freshen the application every 2 hours for up to 3 applications per day. You could even take a baking soda bath before bed.
White vinegar – Simply apply it to a cotton ball and gently rub it onto the affected area several times a day.
Aloe vera – Aloe vera is often a central ingredient in anti-itching creams. Applying some natural creams containing aloe vera onto the poison ivy rash will ease its aggressiveness in no time.
Oatmeal – Oatmeal bath works wonders for blistered or irritated skin since oatmeal works as a skin protectant.
Banana peels – Rubbing banana peels on rashes is a great way to soothe inflammation, since they contain a large number of antioxidants and minerals that help the skin restore itself naturally.
Potato paste – The soothing effects of potato paste have been known for hundreds of years. Simply mix some white potatoes in a blender and apply the thick paste to the affected area.
Coffee – Because coffee beans contain a powerful anti-inflammatory called chlorogenic acid, a good-quality coffee can soothe a poison ivy rash.