Cortisone and Calamine
Over-the-counter cortisone creams and calamine lotion can help relieve some of the itchiness of a poison ivy rash. Follow label directions when applying. Be sure to wash and dry the area before reapplying.
Other products that can help with itching include:
-aloe vera gel
-a 3-to-1 ratio of baking soda to water paste applied to the skin
-cucumber slices placed over the rash
You can also crush the cucumber into a paste and apply it on the rash to soothe your skin.
Block the Oil
If you're looking for a preventative measure, over-the-counter (OTC) creams that can delay the penetration of urushiol into the skin. You can get IvyX and other barrier creams at your local pharmacy or online.
The cream should be applied thickly all over your skin less than an hour before you expect to be exposed to a poison ivy plant. If you are exposed, you should wash off all of the creams within four hours of exposure to prevent your skin from absorbing the urushiol.
LATHER, RINSE, REPEAT
Rinsing your skin with warm soapy water or rubbing alcohol within about an hour after touching the poison ivy can remove the urushiol and help you avoid a rash, or at least make it less severe. You will also need to wash anything else that comes in contact with the plant. Urushiol can remain potent for years. Skipping cleaning could lead to another rash later on.
Some people swear that dishwashing liquid can help remove oil from the skin. Other specialty washes include products from brands such as Burt's Bees, Ivarest, and Tecnu.
