Poison Ivy

[Pat Robinson]

We tried everything homeopathic and topical. Rhus Tox is indicated, I believe. We sprayed it on, pellets, too. Lidocaine spray helped but is very cold. My sister suggested Clearasil Plus, it dried the rash more rapidly. Gross, but anything was better than steroids. Calamine/Caladryl helps some. But with a large body area, that is benedryl absorbing into the body. Epsom salt soaks will also dry it. Or as a compress. Calendula topically as a wash is generally very helpful.



Here are some other topical alternatives to consider: http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=15146437&...\
s#post15146437



Here are more suggestions: http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=1086614&h...


Elsewhere, a mom just recommended Domboro's solution for poison ivy relief. It is a healing product, not natural though. Available at CVS, I believe.
http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0000Y3C9C/ampedesistud-20/



Technu helps as soon as you are exposed. I believe you can wash clothes with it to eliminate the oils. What about shoes as the exposure? Car seat? Socks?
Backpack? Tub? Bed linen?
http://www.technuextreme.com/

Witches Hazel
Plantain
Tea Tree oil
Jewelweed/Aloe/Comphry Tea

Goldenseal Root powder and Aloe Vera Gel
Vit E
Impatiens / Touch-Me-Nots
Wild Peach Tea
Sweet Fern
Rubarb
Aloe Vera
Honey Suckle
Polk Salad Root
Flaxseed Oil
MilkWeed
http://poisonivy.aesir.com/view/natural.html

• Oatmeal - Simply boil up the oatmeal in water as you normally would. Let it cool for a few minutes, then apply warm to the effected area, Ideally, the mixture should be applied until a thick layer forms. It will harden as it dries. Most sufferers swear by this treatment, which is sometimes combined with a tablespoon or two of baking soda for extra relief from itch and oozing.

  
  

• Baking soda - This treatment has also become a classic homemade cure, made by mixing 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water until a thick paste forms. Apply to the rash and let dry. Another tried-and-true method for many poison ivy sufferers is full immersion in a soothing baking soda bath.

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• Vinegar - Just sprinkle liberally on rash or blisters for instant relief from itch.

  Typical rash & blistering caused by poison ivy.

  Although the smell may not be to everybody's liking, vinegar seems to help draw out the "poison" from poison ivy while it also helps healing. White distilled vinegar, or apple cider vinegar, seem to work best.
  
  

  
  

• Banana peel - Touted by many as a homemade "miracle cure", the inside of a banana peel rubbed on poison ivy rashes seems to bring instant, cooling relief.
  
  By some accounts, banana skins may even do the trick when all other poison ivy treatment fails.

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• Aloe Vera gel - A logical alternative, aloe vera is known to heal minor skin cuts and bring relief from
  sunburn, so apply liberally to effected areas to help sooth the itch and aid in healing.
  
  
  
  
• Dishwashing liquid - Perhaps the most practical treatment of all, dishwashing liquid's anti-grease agents make it a common-sense remedy for poison ivy when applied liberally from the bottle at full strength.
  Simply wash off with cool water. http://www.chiff.com/a/poison-ivy.htm

Anacardium orientale: This remedy is often helpful for rashes that come from poison oak, or other kinds of contact dermatitis. An intensely itching rash with swelling and fluid-filled blisters may appear. Itching is worse from applying heat or contact with hot water.

Apis: When a rash is the result of an allergic reaction and takes the form of hives, or if a rash is very pink and swollen with burning or stinging pain, this remedy may be useful. Discomfort and swelling are relieved by cold applications.

Belladonna: This remedy is useful for conditions with sudden onset that are hot, bright red, and throbbing. Rash may be accompanied by fever.

Bryonia: A bumpy, hot, and dry rash may respond to this remedy. Discomfort may be worse from heat and touch, although applying pressure or lying on the affected side often soothes the itching. If illness accompanies the rash, the person wants to lie completely still and be left alone.

Graphites: Rashes with eruptions that ooze a sticky golden fluid, then crust over, may be relieved with this remedy. Itching is worse from warmth and worse at night.

Ledum palustre: This remedy is indicated for a puffy and swollen rash. Both the swelling and the itching are relieved by cold applications.

Natrum muriaticum: This remedy is often helpful to people with chronic rashes at the margin of the scalp or in the bends of the knees and elbows. The skin is oily in most areas, but the rash looks dry and scaly. Itching is often worse from physical exertion and the person may feel worse from being in the sun. Natrum muriaticum can also help if hives break out during emotional stress, especially grief or romantic disappointment. A person who needs this remedy often has a tendency toward herpes.

Rhus toxicodendron: A blistery rash that burns and itches intensely, and is much improved by applying heat or bathing in hot water, may be relieved by this remedy. The person usually is very restless, wanting to pace or constantly move around.

Sepia: Dry skin with a scaly reddish or brownish rash suggests a need for this remedy. The person may be chilly and better from keeping warm—but getting too warm under covers or clothing, and especially sweating, makes the itching worse.

Sulphur: Red, irritated, itchy, burning rashes that are aggravated by heat and washing may respond to this remedy. The touch of clothing, especially wool, can cause a rash or make it worse. Scratching seems irresistible, but disrupts and irritates the skin. Eruptions may be dry and scaly, or moist and infection-prone.

Urtica urens: Eruptions that resemble nettle-rash, with blotches that sting and burn intensely, may be soothed by this remedy. Scratching makes the symptoms worse. Applying cold or water may aggravate the condition. Rashes that come out from eating shellfish, from being overheated, or along with rheumatism often bring this remedy to mind.

http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/2253004.html

I've heard that plantain, witch hazel and Epsom salt baths help most!