How to Treat Poison Ivy and Poison Oak

Co-authored by Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI

Last Updated: September 12, 2022 References Approved

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are a great way to ruin a day in the outdoors. Coming in contact with their toxic leaves, stems, and roots can give you an itchy rash that lasts for 1-3 weeks. Although the only way to completely remove the rash is time, there are several means of reducing the pain and itching involved with exposure to poison ivy.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking Immediate Care of Your Skin

1
Look for a red rash with blisters. A poison ivy rash is an allergic reaction to the oils secreted by the plant. You will have a red rash, swelling and blisters in the area where you contacted the plant.^{[1]
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- If you inhaled the burning plant, you may also have breathing issues. This is a serious condition. You should take an antihistamine and get emergency medical help.
- If you suspect you encountered poison ivy, collect a sample in a plastic bag to show your doctor. Be sure to wear gloves when collecting your sample. Do not touch the plant.
2
Remove and wash your clothes. Take off your clothes and place them in a plastic garbage bag, if possible. Wash your clothes separately from anything else as soon as possible.

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3
Apply rubbing alcohol. You can apply rubbing alcohol to your skin to dissolve the poison ivy or poison oak oils. Because the toxic oil from the plant seeps into your skin gradually, adding rubbing alcohol to the area will prevent the further spread. It won't provide immediate relief, but it will stem the spread. You can also use an over-the-counter cleanser like Tecnu or Zanfel.
- Only apply the rubbing alcohol in a well-ventilated room, preferably with an open window or vent. The fumes from the rubbing alcohol can make you feel lightheaded.
4
Rinse the area with cool water. Never use warm or hot water, as this will open your pores and allow more of the toxins to sink in. If you're able, keep the affected area under cold running water for 10-15 minutes. If you're outdoors in the woods when you're exposed to poison ivy or poison oak, then you can rinse your body off in a running stream.^{[3]
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5
Completely clean the area. Regardless of the location on your body, make sure that it was thoroughly rinsed with water. If you touched the area on your body at all or the poison affected your hands, scrub under your fingernails with a toothbrush in case any oil from the plants was deposited beneath them. Throw the toothbrush away after you're done.
- Use a dish soap that is used for oil removal to rinse the area of your rash. Because the toxins have been transferred to your skin in the form of an oil, using an oil-obliterating dish soap may help to reduce the spread of the rash. You can use any brand that's labeled for oil-fighting or breaking up oil.
- If you use a towel to dry yourself after washing the affected area, be sure to wash the towel with the rest of your exposed clothes immediately after use. In some cases, you may have to throw out the towel.
6
Don't scratch the rash. Even though the rash is not contagious, you could break the skin and allow bacteria to enter the wound. Don't touch or pop any blisters that may form, even if they are weeping. If necessary, cut your nails short and cover the area to keep yourself from scratching it.
7
Cool off the exposed area. Apply cold compresses or apply an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure that you don't apply ice directly to your skin; always wrap your ice pack or compress in a towel before application. Also, allow the area to air dry instead of rubbing it with a towel if you get your rash wet.
- If you need the area to dry faster, it's okay to pat it dry. However, never rub it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Treating the Itch Caused by the Poison

1
Apply topical creams or lotions. Calamine lotion, capsaicin cream or hydrocortisone cream can provide some relief from itching.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI
Board Certified Allergist
Expert Interview. 26 August 2020.} Don't do this immediately after contact with the plant (as rubbing the lotion could spread the oils), but after a few hours or days when the itching feeling begins. Capsaicin cream, usually sold in drugstores labeled for arthritis pain relief, burns a bit at first but suppresses itching for hours.
- If you're in a hot, outdoor environment, hydrocortisone cream may not work. Try capsaicin cream instead.
2
Take antihistamines.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI
Board Certified Allergist
Expert Interview. 26 August 2020.} Antihistamines are medications that treat for allergies, and since poison oak and ivy cause allergic reactions on contact, taking these drugs may offer minor relief. Antihistamines generally offer only mild relief from the symptoms of poison ivy, but if you take oral medications before bedtime, their combination of anti-itch and drowsiness-inducing effects can help you get some rest. Only take these orally, and do not apply the creams to your poison ivy as this can worsen your rash.
3
Take an oatmeal bath. Use an oatmeal bath product or an aluminum acetate soak. If you need a quick fix without running to the store, blend a cup of oatmeal in a food processor or blender and add it to your warm bathwater. Avoid using water that is very hot, especially right after being exposed to the poison as this will open your pores.^{[6]
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4
Try an acorn broth. Crack acorns and boil them in water. Strain out the nuts, cool the liquid and apply it to your rash with a cotton pad. Although this method hasn't been studied, it has shown to reduce the itchy feelings of poison ivy rash.
5
Apply aloe vera. Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that excretes a cooling gel from its leaves. You can use a real aloe vera plant by snapping off leaves and applying the gel directly to your rash, or use a processed bottled form. If you buy a bottle from the store, make sure that it is at least 95% real aloe vera.^{[7]
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6
Rinse with apple cider vinegar. Among the many medical treatments apple cider vinegar can be used for, expediting the healing process of poison ivy exposure is one of them. Use a cotton pad to gently apply the vinegar to the area, or rinse it with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water.
7
Use baking soda. Make a paste consisting of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply the paste to your rash to pull the fluid out of the blisters. Leave the baking soda paste to dry, and allow it to crack or flake off. Reapply this paste every few hours for the best results.
- Keep in mind that baking soda can irritate your skin, especially if you're sensitive to it. It's best to only try this if you know you aren't sensitive to baking soda.
8
Try using dairy. Use buttermilk or yogurt to apply to your skin, unless you have a dairy allergy. When you apply buttermilk or yogurt to your rash, the proteins will draw out fluid from your blisters.
- When using yogurt, opt for a plain variety with the fewest additives possible.
9
Treat your rash with tea. Fill a bathtub with water and add 12 tea bags, such as chamomile tea for its anti-inflammatory properties. Soak in your tea bath for 20 minutes to help reduce the itchiness and uncomfortable feeling. You can also brew very strong tea and dab it onto your rash with a cotton ball every few hours.
10
Use chilled fruit rinds. Press a cold watermelon rind or banana peel against your rash. The watermelon rind acts as a cold compress, and the juice helps to dry out blisters. On the other hand, using a banana peel helps to cool and soothe the area.
11
Dab on cold coffee. If you have a bit of leftover dark-brewed coffee, use a cotton pad to dab it onto your rash. You can also brew a fresh cup, but allow the coffee to cool in the fridge before applying it. Coffee contains chlorogenic acid, which is a natural anti-inflammatory.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Future Exposure

1
Learn to identify poison plants. Avoid plants that have the following characteristics:
- Poison ivy has 3 shiny green leaves and a red stem. It grows as a vine, typically along riverbanks or lake shores. It can also be found in woods or forests. As a common rule of thumb remember this simple rhyme: "Leaves of three, leave it be."
- Poison oak grows as a shrub and has 3 leaves like poison ivy. Poison oak is typically found on the West Coast of the U.S.
- Poison sumac is a woody shrub with 7 to 13 leaves arranged in pairs. It grows abundantly along the Mississippi River.
2
Bathe your pets if they have been exposed to the plants. Pets aren't sensitive to poison ivy or poison oak, but if the oils are trapped on their fur, then they could cause an allergic reaction in anyone who pets them. Use pet shampoo and wear rubber gloves while you're giving them a bath.
3
Bring preventative measures. If you are taking a hike or are camping in an area that grows poison ivy, bring extra bottles of cold water and rubbing alcohol. If you apply both of these immediately after coming in contact, you will greatly decrease the spread and pain associated with exposure.
4
Dress appropriately when going outdoors. It's especially important if you're going into an area where you think you may find poison ivy or poison oak. Wear long sleeved-shirts, long pants and socks. Make sure that you wear closed-toe shoes, and always bring a spare change of clothes just in case of an accident.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I make my poison ivy rash less itchy?

Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI
Board Certified Allergist
Dr. Alan O. Khadavi is a Board Certified Allergist and a Pediatric Allergy Specialist based in Los Angeles, California. He holds a BS in biochemistry from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook and an MD from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn. Dr. Khadavi completed his pediatric residency at Schneider Children’s Hospital in New York, and then went on to complete his allergy and immunology fellowship and pediatric residency at Long Island College Hospital. He is board certified in adult and pediatric allergy/immunology. Dr. Khadavi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, a Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), and a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Dr. Khadavi's honors include Castle Connolly’s list of Top Doctors 2013-2020, and Patient Choice Awards "Most Compassionate Doctor" in 2013 & 2014.

Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI

Board Certified Allergist

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I recommend using a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion on your skin. You can also take an oral antihistamine to help relieve the itching.
Question

Does poison oak get hard before it heals?

Venessa Peña-Robichaux, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Peña-Robichaux is a board certified Dermatologist and Clinical Professor in Texas specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult skin conditions. She completed her MD at Harvard Medical School in 2010 and completed her residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Telemedicine Association.

Venessa Peña-Robichaux, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

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The inflammation from the rash can cause swelling, which can make the skin feel "hard". Also, scratching will cause the skin to thicken and feel "hard". This will resolve once the rash heals. The less you scratch, the faster your skin will heal.
Question

How long does it take for the rash to show?

Venessa Peña-Robichaux, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Peña-Robichaux is a board certified Dermatologist and Clinical Professor in Texas specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult skin conditions. She completed her MD at Harvard Medical School in 2010 and completed her residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Telemedicine Association.

Venessa Peña-Robichaux, MD

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On average it takes 2 to 4 days for the rash to appear, but it can be longer or shorter depending on your prior exposure.

Warnings

If you have a rash in your eyes, mouth, nose or genital area, or if the rash covers more than 1/4 of your body, then you should consult your doctor. Also, see your doctor if the rash doesn't improve in a few days, if it gets worse or if it keeps you awake at night. Your physician may prescribe corticosteroids to help relieve the itching.

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Never burn poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac to get rid of it. The oil is vaporized and the resins can float downwind in the smoke and can cause severe allergic reactions for anyone who may inhale it. This can cause the rash on lung tissue resulting in respiratory failure in extreme cases. Either way, it's very dangerous.

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Call 9-1-1 if you are having difficulty breathing or severe swelling. While you wait for help, take 1-2 antihistamines. If you have been exposed to smoke from burning poison plants, then you should seek emergency care.

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Never go camping without antihistamines, as they can be life saving if you encounter an allergen, such as poison ivy.

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If you have a fever over 100 F (38 C), if you see yellow scabs or pus, or if you develop tenderness on the rash, then you should see your doctor immediately about the possibility that you may have an infection.^{[8]
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