How to Care for a Poison Ivy Rash
- 1
Wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible after contact with a poison ivy plant. - 2
Taking an oral antihistamine can help relieve itching from a poison ivy rash.
Take an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl as soon as possible after a poison ivy rash begins. - 3
Applying cortisone cream to a poison ivy rash assists healing.
Apply cortisone cream to the affected area. This helps dry out the rash and relieve itching. - 4
Using heat or ice is a common way to relieve discomfort.
Apply a hot or cold compress to the affected area to relieve discomfort. - 5
Taking over-the-counter pain medicine can provide relief.
Take an over-the-counter pain medicine to relieve any pain. - 6
Always contact your doctor if symptoms persist or are severe.
Contact your doctor if the rash persists for more than three weeks, or if you experience severe pain, discomfort, or difficulty breathing. - 7
Continue treatment until the poison ivy rash subsides
Continue at-home treatment until the rash subsides.
