If you have ever had poison ivy, you know how miserable it can be. The itching becomes almost unbearable—the desire to scratch strong enough to make you feel like your fingers are about to fall off—but the damage it causes your skin can be even worse than that awful sensation of ants crawling on your body. It’s clear that some relief is needed, but with so many over-the-counter treatments available, how do you know which one will work best?

Getting Rid of Poison Ivy

There’s nothing quite like the itch of poison ivy. That burning, maddening sensation that drives you to scratch until your skin is raw. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of coming into contact with this pesky plant, you know how frustrating it can be. But don’t worry, there are ways to get rid of poison ivy and its itch.

 According to Healthline, what causes that itching is an oil called urushiol. After coming into contact with poison ivy, urushiol can spread throughout your body and cause a toxic reaction. Urushiol comes from the sap found in poison ivy plants and, once it gets on your skin, it can remain active for up to three days (or even longer depending on temperature and humidity). Not only does urushiol cause intense itching when first exposed, but it also increases redness over time. So it’s important to remove all traces of urushiol immediately after exposure so that you don’t experience these uncomfortable symptoms later on.

Stay Hydrated

When you’re out in nature, it’s important to stay hydrated. But what do you do when you can’t stop scratching? If you have poison ivy, the first step is to wash the area with soap and water. This will help remove the oil that causes the itch. If the itch is severe, you can try a corticosteroid cream or antihistamine. But be sure to see a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve or if you have a fever. In the meantime, try to resist the urge to scratch. Apply a cool compress or take a cool bath to soothe your skin. And drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

When Should I See A Doctor?

If you have a severe reaction to poison ivy, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, you should see a doctor immediately. If you have a more mild reaction, you can try treating the itch at home with over-the-counter medications. However, if the itch persists for more than a week or two, or if you develop a rash that spreads beyond the initial contact area, it’s time to see a doctor.

What Are Some Home Remedies To Reduce Symptoms?

If you find yourself with a poison ivy rash, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do at home to ease your symptoms. First, try taking a cool bath or shower. This will help soothe your skin and reduce inflammation. You can also apply a cold compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time. If your rash is particularly itchy, you can try an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and never take more than the recommended dosage. Finally, one of the best things you can do is simply leave the rash alone. Avoid scratching or picking at it, as this will only make things worse.

What Other Conditions Resemble Poison Ivy Rash And How Do They Treat Them?

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are all plants that contain a substance called urushiol. This substance is found in the leaves, stems, and roots of these plants, and can cause an itchy rash in people who come into contact with it. The rash is characterized by redness, swelling, and blistering, and can be extremely uncomfortable. Treatment for poison ivy typically involves topical steroids or oral antihistamines to relieve the itching, as well as cool compresses to soothe the skin. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms include eczema, hives, and contact dermatitis.