19 Home Remedies for Poison Ivy Rash

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These natural home remedies for poison ivy rash show you how to treat poison ivy, oak, or sumac naturally and keep this horrible itchy rash from ruining your summer!

Included is a section on the BEST remedies of all.

How to Treat Poison Ivy Rash

Home remedies for poison ivy rash are often safer and more effective than treating poison ivy with store-bought remedies. Also, knowing how to treat poison ivy can save you precious time and money by helping you avoid costly doctor appointments.

If you spend any time outdoors like we do, chances are high you will encounter poison ivy at some point.

A high majority of people are sensitive to the sticky odorless sap that is secreted out of the poison ivy leaves. This allergic reaction is called contact dermatitis.

Poison Ivy Rash is the most common allergic reaction in the U.S. and affects as many as 50 million Americans a year. (source)

The oily resin that causes the rash is called urushiol and sticks to clothing, skin, pets and outdoor equipment.

Coming in contact with the resin causes an itchy red rash that can quickly spread, appearing roughly 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the plant.

The poison ivy rash can be a really nasty, life-consuming thing when it hits so it’s crucial to know how to treat poison ivy at home to avoid both complications and also time-consuming and expensive runs to the doctor.

Here are some tips to help you know what to do for poison ivy–how to spot the signs and symptoms of poison ivy rash, how to avoid getting a poison ivy rash in the first place, and loads of natural remedies for poison ivy rash.

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Signs and Symptoms of a Poison Ivy Rash

Here are a few things to look for if you have been outside and think you were exposed.

  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Clusters of Blisters

If you think you may have a poison ivy rash, there are lots of natural remedies for poison ivy that can not only reduce your itching but also help the rash clear up faster.

Learning how to treat poison ivy at home keeps it from getting out of control.

My husband used to get poison ivy every year and it was miserable. Him being miserable is one thing, but the fear of the itching and oozing extending to the whole family is something else entirely!

Thankfully, I have a lot of home remedies for poison ivy in my arsenal now so it doesn’t spread to the other family members.

poison ivy with title saying 19 natural poison ivy remedies that work.

Home Remedies for Poison Ivy Rash

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is cheap and has hundreds of uses including being one of the best home remedies for poison ivy. Try soaking in a tub of warm water with 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda.

You can also make a paste using a few teaspoons of baking soda and a little water. Apply to the rash as often as needed to reduce swelling and dry up blisters.

Baking soda is my go-to natural remedy for poison ivy and bee stings. It does such a great job of drying up any blisters and it doesn’t sting.

With the cost of baking soda being so low, it’s always something I keep in the house for all kinds of uses. Baking soda is even a surprisingly-great natural beauty ingredient.

2. Himalayan Salt

Using Himalayan salt (not table salt) can help reduce the swelling of poison ivy. Salt is a natural cleanser and helps dry up blisters by pulling extra liquid and toxins out of the skin.

Himalayan salt can be added to a bath for soaking with your favorite essential oil (see below why tea tree oil and lavender might be good options). Be sure to properly emulsify the essential oil first, however. Try adding 1/2 a cup of salt to your bath water for the itching relief of a warm salt bath.

3. Cold Compress

A cold compress will reduce the redness, swelling, and itching of a poison ivy rash. Cold temperatures on the skin for short periods of time have been shown to boost the immune system and increase collagen production as well.

You can add a soothing essential oil such as lavender to help reduce inflammation even further.

4. Bentonite Clay

If your poison ivy rash is localized to a few places, making a paste out of bentonite clay can bring great relief. This clay is filled with over 50 minerals from the earth and has a unique ability to pull and draw, so it’s perfect for drying up a poison ivy rash.

Simply make a paste with the bentonite clay and water and apply.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Try making a wet compress using apple cider vinegar for your poison ivy rash.

Apple cider vinegar has natural antibiotic properties and helps to not only cleanse the skin but also dry up any blisters.

If you have open sores and raw skin, be sure to dilute apple cider vinegar before applying.

6. Tea Tree Oil

Drying up blisters from poison ivy can help the rash resolve faster. Tea tree oil is perfect for this, and it is also a great antibacterial oil and disarms the resin that irritates the skin.

We personally prefer tea tree oil as one of our favorite home remedies for poison ivy. Open blisters also create opportunities for infection and tea tree oil will kill off any bacteria that has been festering.

Make sure to dilute the tea tree oil appropriately before applying to skin as is the case with all essential oils.

7. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel extract is distilled from Hamamelis virginiana and is an effective natural remedy for poison ivy. It reduces itching and inflammation, and encourages the healing of the blisters.

Keep an eye on the ingredient list, though, and try to get as pure of a witch hazel as possible.

8. Aspirin

Crush up aspirin into a powder and make a paste with a little water or witch hazel for your poison ivy rash. The salicylic acid speeds up the healing process to dry up blisters and reduce swelling.

Since aspirin and witch hazel are both great natural remedies for poison ivy, combining them makes a great poison ivy treatment.

9. Jewelweed Poultice

This herb is one of the best natural remedies for poison ivy. It is great for breaking up the sticky oil residue and reducing swelling. It’s a common plant found growing around water.

Simply crush up the leaves of the Jewelweed plant and make a poultice to apply to the rash a few times a day. If you are unable to access a jewelweed plant, a good alternative is organic jewelweed glycerite.

10. Cucumber

Cucumber slices are a great natural remedy for poison ivy. You can also blend up cucumbers and place the mash on the affected skin for a cooling result.

11. Banana Peel

Here’s one that any fruit lover will be happy about. Grab some bananas at the store and, after enjoying some, use the inside of the peel to cool your poison ivy rash. Please do wash the bananas first (especially if they’re not organic) since there are some really nasty chemicals used on bananas while they are growing. Ick.

12. Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal is known for being soothing to troubled skin and it’s super simple to make an oatmeal bath. Simply grind 1 cup oatmeal in a blender, food processor, or spice grinder until it’s a fine powder.

Pour the oatmeal into your bathtub and fill the tub with warm water.

Stir and relax in the tub for about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, make a paste with the powdered oatmeal and apply directly to skin for another great poison ivy rash treatment. Oatmeal is also great for relieving the itch of eczema and other skin conditions.

Please use organic oatmeal since oats are one of the foods most contaminated with glyphosate.

13. Aloe Vera

Just as aloe vera is known for soothing the skin after a sunburn and soothing the digestive tract, the gel from an aloe vera plant is a great natural remedy for poison ivy. Just break open a plant and apply the gel directly to the skin from the leaf or use a store-bought aloe vera gel.

14. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a natural astringent and removes oil from the skin. Apply soon after the poison ivy rash develops to prevent spreading.

15. Running Water

Simply running water over the poison ivy rash is a great (and frugal!) way to provide relief.

16. Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is an herb that is commonly used to treat skin disorders as it has anti-inflammatory properties, but it’s also antibacterial so it’s fantastic for preventing infections from poison ivy. Simply mix powdered goldenseal root with filtered water to make a paste and apply to the affected area. Drinking goldenseal tea or taking a goldenseal supplement is a way to encourage healing from the inside out.

17. Use A Washcloth

Urushiol oil is similar in texture to motor oil except it’s clear and you can’t see it on your skin. After spending time outdoors, simply scrubbing your exposed skin with a washcloth and soap can remove the oil. It’s the friction of the washcloth that does a great job of lifting the oil off of your skin.

Next time your washing up after going outside, remembering to grab a washcloth and use friction instead of just washing your hands and arms with soap alone.

18. Rhus Tox Homeopathic

Rhus tox is known for helping with homeopathy. Funny story–I once woke up itching on my face and hands after my husband had been dealing with a case of poison ivy. I don’t think I’ve ever had it, but the itchy pain was odd.

I did some research and tried it, was able to fall asleep quickly, and when I woke up, the itching was gone!

19. Manuka Honey

So I know that the title of this post is “19 Remedies,” but here is another bonus one that I’m adding in later. A member of my Healthy Living Community shared that Manuka Honey worked great for her poison ivy and so–here you go.

Here is a good option for a solid brand of Manuka honey.

The Best Home Remedies for Poison Ivy Rash

Some say that the best home remedies for poison ivy are baking soda and tea tree oil. They both dry up the poison ivy really well, assisting in healing.

However, I think that rubbing alcohol is possibly the best poison ivy remedy out there.

These Poison Ivy Wipes are a super convenient option to carry with you to address poison ivy contamination–anywhere! They have great reviews, and guess what their main ingredient is.

That’s right–rubbing alcohol!

So, technically you could just take alcohol wipes with you instead, I guess!

Just make sure to handle and dispose of the contaminated wipes carefully.

Wipes like these are a great idea for cleaning off shoes and even clothing that’s been contaminated while walking in poison ivy. More effective than washing in a washing machine, since washing machines don’t really agitate clothing enough to address the oil well.

Caution: Rubbing alcohol, while it removes the urushiol well, also removes your skin’s protective barrier, so you want to apply a skin soothing moisturizer soon after using alcohol and continue to use it to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. If you don’t do this, your skin will be more vulnerable to rashes of all kinds.

Poison Ivy Prevention

Knowing how to treat poison ivy is one thing, but poison ivy prevention tips can help keep you from even getting poison ivy in the first place.

Do you have plans for camping, landscaping, or tromping through the woods? Spending time outdoors is vital for healthy living.

You don’t have to cancel your fun outdoor plans. By taking simple precautions you can prevent an allergic reaction for you and your family.

As a mom, I know how to treat poison ivy for my family but I also know preventing exposure is vital when we are out having fun.

Recognize the plant

The old saying “Leaves of 3, let them be” still rings true. Poison ivy leaves are made up of 3 pointed leaf clusters with a glossy surface and can be found all throughout the United States.

This plant loves to grow around edges, vine up trees or take over old landscaping.

Leaves have a glossy surface and can look red in the spring and fall, and green in the summer. Mature plants can have clusters of green or white berries.

Some plants have notched leaf edges while others are smooth. Poison ivy can grow as a vine or as a bush depending on the species.

Protect Yourself

Poison ivy rash isn’t contagious. Rather, it’s transferred by the sticky urushiol resin secreted from the plant. So if you touch something that has the resin on it, then you can catch it.

Even your pet can spread the resin as it easily sticks to fur. Don’t forget to bathe your pet if it has spent time in unfamiliar bushes or woods.

You can use clothing as a barrier. If you know you will be spending time in the outdoors hiking, landscaping, or camping, wear long sleeves and pants to keep the resin from getting on your skin.

We are a hiking family so it’s long thin pants when we spend time outdoors in the woods.

I love thin breathable cotton. It will keep us cool in hot weather and it also helps to prevent sunburn. Gloves, shoes, and socks are also a smart choice if you will be removing old plants, mowing a field, or trimming bushes.

Showering with hot soapy water immediately (one reader highly recommends using Dawn Dish Soap for this purpose, though any good grease-cutting soap should work) can rinse off any resin you may have encountered while outside. It also helps to prevent the sticky oil from spreading to the rest of your family members.

Immediately launder any clothing that you either wore or that could have been exposed to the plant so it doesn’t contaminate your furniture or loved ones.

Wash gardening tools and outdoor equipment after use in unkempt landscaping.

I hope these tips help you avoid the mess that poison ivy can be. Knowing how to treat poison ivy and using these home remedies for poison ivy is the best defense!

What Home Remedies for Poison Ivy have you used?

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16 Comments

  1. Hi! Love the Poison Ivy remedies! My husband gets affected by this ivy but I don’t. So I’ll go out with gloves and get rid of the vine that comes thru our fence from neighbors backyard.
    Have you found anyway to kill that vine so it doesn’t come back?

    1. Thanks! I’m having a hard time with this myself right now. I’m asking people in a group but looks like you have to keep going after the roots. Ugh.

  2. I get poison ivy very easily and have suffered intensely from it many times. I’m
    sorry to see you don’t list the one item i find most useful in getting rid of it – Dawn dish washing soap. It’s so much better than the brown soap sold for poison ivy or anything else you listed. Perhaps you didn’t list it because it’s not organic, but with poison ivy (or oak or sumac) what’s important is that you get rid of it. (Most of what you’ve listed is useless for me.) I shower with Dawn immediately after contacting poison ivy and EVEN WASH MY HAIR WITH IT. Yup, you read that right!
    Afterwards i will wash my clothes in boiling hot water (i heat it on the stove), and tons of soap. It takes many rinses to get the soap out of the clothes. This takes a long time and is a real pain, but it’s so much better than having poison ivy.

  3. My husband recently got into poison ivy. We tried some OTC Benadryl cream with limited success. One of the most effective things to do for poison ivy is to wash immediately with Dawn dish soap. Unfortunately, we missed that window. Then, we were traveling over the weekend, and it was hard to do anything. By the time we got home, his rash was swollen, bubbling and oozing. He probably needed a doctor, but he had to leave for a business trip Monday morning, so during the little time we had at home, I made a poultice with coconut oil (soothing, penetrating, and antimicrobial), Australian blue clay mask powder (which is a bentonite clay, as described in the article above), activated charcoal powder (also a powerful substance for adsorbing toxins), and tea tree oil. This is messy, because of the activated charcoal. I applied thin layers to the problem areas on his face. On his arms and legs, I globbed it on and then wrapped it with plastic wrap. Then I had him wait for 60-90 minutes before showering and washing it off. After an application Sunday night, the swelling on his leg went down completely and the oozing stopped. We did another application Monday morning before he had to catch his plane, and he was looking pretty good by the time he left.

    1. I have heard that washing w/ a soap that is really good at removing oil is important. I guess Dawn fits the bill :). I can imagine how messy that is – wow!! What a story!

  4. The nice thing about jewel weed is if you get poison Ivy you should be able to find Jewel weed since it almost always grows near poison Ivy, we use to boil it in water then freeze in ice cube tray for use later, my son was so sensitive to poison Ivy that all he had to do was be close to it so we kept a supply on hand, we would add a bunch of cubes to cool bath water and let him soak for a little while.

  5. Also, while washing off in the shower, be sure to use a wash cloth to scrub the skin, since urishol has been described as an invisible thick grease that doesn’t wash off easily. And make sure to wash between the fingers, behind the ears and on the back side of the arm, which most of the time gets missed, however rashes tend to pop up there, since we tend to touch those areas without realizing it.

      1. I guess if you do a really, really good job and you weren’t wearing gloves initially. 🙂 I get the poison ivy rash pretty regularly, when I’m not following a regiment of what to do after coming in from a possible poison ivy infested location. I found this youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oyoDRHpQK0), that helped me the most, and it mentioned the oil is like engine grease, which doesn’t simply wash off, so that’s why wash clothes and a dish soap like Dawn (since it works so well on grease) are so effective. Just remember to throw the washcloth in the laundry along with your other clothes that might have the oil on them. One other thought…wipe down door knobs you’ve used, since those aren’t usually the first places you think about.

      2. I don’t use a washcloth, just my hands. I don’t want to break or irritate my skin. My hands work just fine. I do appreciate the added advice to wash every nook and cranny. Even underneath rings!
        If it’s on your face, you may want to go to the doctor and get cortisone pills just so that it doesn’t go into your eyes. They clean it up from the inside out. A minor miracle!