The Most Effective Home Remedies For Poison Ivy

Now that the weather is thankfully no longer scorching hot, it’s the perfect time to get some fresh air and observe fall in all its golden beauty. As you enjoy your walk through the park or hike through the forest, it’s best to be vigilant, as merely brushing against the leaves of poison ivy or poison oak can leave your skin with a painful blistering rash.

Poison ivy rashes are the most common allergic reaction in the US, affecting 25-40 million people annually. Some people are so sensitive to poison ivy that touching an animal or camping gear that was in contact with poison ivy can trigger a reaction. 

 

But fear not, even if you happen to get an allergic reaction to the poisonous plant, everyday home ingredients like banana peels, baking soda, and aloe will be able to alleviate itching, prevent the rash from spreading, and speed up the healing process. In this post, we discuss the best home remedies for a poison ivy rash. 

 

Why does poison ivy trigger a rash?  

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a three-leafed vine plant widespread in the US and Asia. The seemingly harmless ground-dwelling plant contains an oily substance called urushiol. The same substance is also present in poison oak and poison sumac, so the tips we share here will also apply to rashes caused by these plants. 

Urushiol is an extremely common allergen that causes an itchy, red, and blistering rash that appears immediately or within 96 hours after exposure to the plant. The rash and itching can persist for weeks. Between 50 and 75% of Americans are allergic to urushiol, and 10-15% are extremely allergic, to the point that they need medical help if they touch the plant. 

 

If you notice poison ivy oil on your skin, wash the affected area right away with plenty of lukewarm water and soap. This will prevent the rash from spreading. Taking allergy medication and applying hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion on the area can help the itching and reduce the severity of the allergic reaction. If the rash is large, appears on the face or genital area, or causes severe skin symptoms, difficulty breathing, or a fever above 100°F (38°C), seek urgent medical help. 

 

In light to moderate cases, it’s safe to treat a poison ivy rash at home. But what can you do if you have no suitable medications on hand? This is when home remedies come in - they help reduce your symptoms and speed up the healing process. We list 6 such effective home remedies below.  

 

1. Save your banana peels, cucumber peels, and watermelon rinds

Rub the inside of a watermelon rind or banana peel on the affected area to alleviate itching. These food scraps have cooling properties when they make contact with the skin. Cucumber slices or a paste made of mashed cucumbers have a similar cooling and soothing effect on the skin.

 

2. Make a baking soda paste  

A baking soda paste is one of the most well-known home remedies for a poison ivy rash with blisters. The baking soda helps dry out the oozing blisters and speeds up the healing process. To make the paste, mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Spread an even layer of the paste to the bothersome area. Wait for the mixture to dry and flake off on its own. 

 

For oozing blisters, you can also soak a piece of sterile gauze in a mix of 2 cups water (0.5 l) and 1 teaspoon baking soda, covering the blisters with the wet gauze for 10 minutes every 8 hours. Avoid using baking soda if your rash appears near the eyes.

3. Take a bath in lukewarm water and oatmeal

A simple practice like taking a bath or even showering between 15 and 30 minutes in lukewarm water every 8 hours can really help reduce the itching caused by a poison ivy rash. It’s important to use lukewarm water because hot water can actually worsen the symptoms. If you have some oatmeal at home, blend about a cup of oatmeal flakes into a fine powder and add it to your bath. 

 

According to a 2007 research article, an oatmeal bath can help soothe redness, reduce itching, and dry leaky blisters caused by poison ivy. Another effective anti-itch remedy for a bath involves baking soda. Add 1 cup of baking soda to your bath soak for 15-30 minutes.

4. Apply a cold compress - with ice, tea, or witch hazel

Anything cold helps reduce the sensations of itching and pain on the skin. But in the case of poison ivy, cold compressed also help reduce the rash. It also serves as a barrier that won’t let you scratch the rash, which is super important because scratching can cause infections and scars from blisters. 

 

Simply use a cold gel pack like the one in the picture above or wrap some ice in a towel and apply it to the area. Some people also swear by covering the rash in a gauze pad soaked in cold strong-brewed tea or witch hazel as a method of drying up and weeping rash and reducing itching. Both witch hazel and tea contain tannins - compounds that reduce swelling and inflammation.  

 

5. Aloe vera

Aloe vera isn’t only beneficial for sunburnt skin. The same soothing effect comes extremely handy for poison ivy rashes, too. Aloe vera gel has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe gel is readily available at drugstores. But if you have an aloe plant at home, simply cut off one leaf and squeeze out the gelatinous substance inside. Apply aloe gel directly onto the affected area, no need to wash it off.

 

6. Prevent spreading with rubbing alcohol 

In most cases, we wouldn’t advise applying pure rubbing alcohol to the skin, as it dissolves all oils on the skin, drying it out. A poison ivy rash is an exception to that rule. Since the substance that causes the rash - urushiol - is oily in nature, you can use rubbing alcohol to soak it up before it penetrates the skin. Apply rubbing alcohol on the skin immediately after contact with poison ivy and use it to disinfect camping gear, clothing, or any other items that came in contact with the plant. 

 

Some people also recommend using apple cider vinegar (ACV) on a fresh poison ivy rash, but many dermatologists actually advise against this practice, as the acidity level of the vinegar is high enough to cause chemical burns and irritation if used directly on the already compromised skin affected by the poison ivy rash. If you want to use ACV to treat poison ivy, put a tiny drop of it on a small skin area to test for any adverse skin reactions first. We hope you found this information helpful. Take care!

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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8 Natural Ways to Repel Insects Without Bug Spray

Unless you’re an entomologist (and on the clock), you probably hate being surrounded by bugs, especially if they bite. While these creatures play important roles in the environment, they can be a real nuisance to humans in the outdoors, and some of these bugs do transmit diseases. Your favorite store-bought bug repellent can keep them away for awhile, but what happens when the DEET can runs dry? Worse yet, what about when you’re in a survival situation and the bugs won’t leave you alone? Thankfully, there are some natural options to beat the bugs without all the chemicals.

1. Make Your Own Repellent

Before you venture into the wild, plan ahead by creating your own bug repellent with ingredients you can feel good about.

While it’s not the strongest option in the world, you can make your own bug repellent from essential oils and other household products. Make a trip to a health food store or similar shop for the essential oils (or order them online). Then you’ll be ready to blend and bottle your own bug repellent. You’ll need:

• A one-quart spray bottle
• 1 pint distilled white vinegar
• 1 pint water
• 25 drops of tea tree oil
• 25 drops of lavender essential oil

Add the ingredients into a clean spray bottle and shake well. Spray your boots, clothing and skin with a generous coating before heading outside. Reapply every two to four hours for best results.

2. Check Often for Ticks

Ticks are more than a nuisance for our dogs. These troublesome arachnids are found in every habitat in the U.S., and we host more than 90 of the world’s 900 tick species. Many of these species pose a significant threat to outdoor enthusiasts, transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), ehrlichiosis, STARI (Southern tick-associated rash illness), tularemia and other diseases. Spot them by wearing light colored clothing and doing frequent “tick checks” throughout the day. Remove embedded ticks quickly to limit your risk of contracting a tick-borne disease. Use tweezers or a tick removal tool to grab the tick by the mouth, pinching your own skin if necessary, then pull it straight out.

3. Watch Where You Put Your Gear

Many of us put our stinking boots outside of our tents at night, but there’s a risk when leaving your gear out in the open.

Scorpions, spiders, centipedes and other venomous creatures may consider your unattended boots, gloves, or other garments as a fine new home, especially if they have been undisturbed for a few hours. Then guess what happens when you suddenly pick these items up and put them on? The animal gets pressed against your skin and it bites or stings you. The venom can range from mild to intense, depending on the creature that you’ve disturbed and its size. Take scorpions as an example. With more than a thousand known scorpion species in the world, there are plenty we’ll encounter in our travels. Mercifully, there are only 25 known to carry venom that would kill a human. From that group, there’s just one that lives in the continental U.S. It’s the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) and its venom is on the low end of the spectrum (fatalities are very rare, usually occurring in small children and those with health problems). So how do we avoid the sting or bite? Don’t leave your clothing, gloves or footwear on the ground or outside overnight. Don’t hang your jacket on a tree. Don’t give them a chance to crawl into your open backpack. Gear that’s not being worn should be put away, closed up or otherwise moved out of the creature’s reach. Yes, it’s a pain, but it’s less painful than getting bitten or stung.

4. Use Wild Plants as Repellents

Certain wild plants contain compounds and scents that discourage bugs, you just have to learn how to properly identify the plants and use them correctly.

Depending on your environment, there may be many wild plants which contain bug repelling compounds. Some of these may be native species and others may have been brought to this continent for various purposes. Either way, it could be very helpful to learn about the plant species that can ward off pests in the outdoors. Before you start scrubbing wild plants all over yourself, use a wild plant field guide to make 100 percent positive identification of any plant or plant part.

Paw Paw (Asimina triloba): This native tree species is commonly found along rivers and waterways throughout the eastern U.S. It bears large tropical-looking fruits (edible to people) that ripen in late summer. The trees also bear large ovate leaves which can be crushed and wiped on your skin as a useful insect repellent. The leaves are at their best in the spring and early summer, when their strong scent can remind us of fresh asphalt.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria): This common mint family member is a non-native species, brought to these shores for more than just driving your cat insane. A tea from the leaves can have a calming effect in humans and the plant can repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. The easiest way to use the plant is to crush the fresh leaves and stems onto your skin and clothing.

Pineapple weed (Matricaria matricarioides): Another non-native species, this unusual little wildflower doesn’t look like a pineapple but the leaves smell like it. Often found on roadsides and other disturbed ground, the feathery leaves and tender stems can be crushed and applied to skin and clothing to repel insects, especially mosquitoes.

5. Don’t Forget The Net

Bug netting may be your best non-chemical defense for flying insects, especially in areas where the bugs are relentless.

They don’t have to be expensive and they won’t be pretty. They might just save your sanity though, and block the transmission of disease. Mesh bug suits and netted headwear can block the bugs when they come on strong. This is much more effective than wearing multiple layers of clothing, as some people do, or by applying buckets of bug repellent. Make sure your exposed skin is covered and eliminate all gaps in your mesh suit and headwear. The only thing worse than having multiple bugs flying around inside your head net is not having a head net in the first place. Consider a sleeping net too, as these save lives in parts of the world. Mosquitos are more than just bothersome, they can transmit the malaria parasite (plasmodium, which kills over 1 million people per year globally), and many different viruses that cause encephalitis and dangerous fevers (like chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile virus and Zika).

6. Smoke the Bugs Away

From foul cigars to smoldering rotten wood or cattail heads, there are plenty of ways to produce smoke and most of these are effective at repelling insects and other pests.

Some savvy fishermen know how to beat biting flies and other pests around the water. They smoke cheap (or very good) cigars when the air gets buggy. For non-smokers (and those who’ve run out of cigars), there are plenty of other options – ones that won’t get you hooked on nicotine. It turns out that any smoke can act like a natural bug repellent, though some are much better than others. Remember grandma’s cedar chest full of blankets? Cedar has long been known as a natural bug repellent and cedar bark is famous for smoldering (rather than bursting into flame). So a bundle of smoldering cedar bark can help to keep the bugs at bay, and it’s also a fine way to transport a fire in the form of embers (for example, if you were leaving one camp and moving to another).

Another option for smoke uses a plant that normally grows by the water, like cattails. The dead brown seed heads can be found atop the tall grass-like plants. Grab one of these “burnt corn dogs” and apply an open flame to one end of it. Once smoldering, smoke will begin to drift out of it. Place the seed head upwind from you with the glowing end into the wind, and sit where the smoke can bathe you. Similarly, a fireproof container of crumbly rotten wood (aka punk wood) can also be lit to provide smoke. This is especially useful for “smudging” primitive survival shelters. Place the container of burning punk wood on the bare dirt floor of your shelter and allow the smoke to fill the structure. This will drive out insects, spiders and other unwelcomed guests. Repeat every few days in warmer weather, weekly or as needed in cooler weather.

7. Cover Up With Mud

It’s disgusting, but more effective at preventing bug bites than you can imagine.

You’re really serious if you go to this is extreme, but certain bug-infested environments may require this drastic solution. When smoke and wild plant scents aren’t strong enough to keep the bugs off your tender skin, you can create a physical barrier by coating your skin (and any thin clothing) with a layer of mud. Not only is this an effective camouflage against humans (remember the movie Rambo?), the mud suit is also effective when hiding from bugs. With the mud fresh and wet (and after it dries into a crusty shell), you’ll be wearing a surprisingly effective barrier that most bugs will not try to penetrate. It’s also useful for hiding your scent, which could come in handy while hunting.

8. Avoid Chigger Habitats

Worse that poison ivy, chiggers can create itchy bumps that last up to two weeks.

Sometimes, avoidance is the best way to win a fight. Chiggers (red bugs and harvest mites) are tiny biting arachnids that are found globally. Here in the U.S., there are only two species that impact us as outdoor enthusiasts. Eutrombicula alfreddugèsi is the main culprit, and the recently hatched larvae are the troublemakers. Too small to see with the naked eye, these hatchlings are hungry for any blood they can find (human or animal). Though they don’t transmit diseases, the intense itching of their bites can last for weeks. This has led to the popular (and incorrect) belief that these creatures burrow under your skin. In actuality, the larvae inject an enzyme into your skin, dissolving some skin cells (for them to drink) and hardening other skin cells (to make a “drinking straw” known as a stylostome). It’s this transformed tissue that causes such a severe itch, not a bug under your skin.

The best defense is to avoid likely breeding grounds where the larvae would be plentiful. Since they dry out easily, damp grassy areas, swampy spots, low lying and riverine environments are hot spots. Avoid these in late spring and early summer. If you do suspect you’ve wandered through their domain (due to a sensation of tiny prickly bites under your clothes), change your clothing immediately. They can crawl around in your clothes for hours, biting you in many different places. If you only had one set of clothes (say, in a survival setting), take the clothing off and hang them to dry for 30 minutes by a hot fire (socks and underwear too). This dry heat will kill the larvae.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement