If you come in contact with poison ivy, you should take some basic steps to contain and remove the urushiol right away:
- Clean the affected areas: You can use rubbing alcohol, dish detergent, or soap and plenty of cool water immediately after exposure. This can help control a poison ivy reaction.
- Apply a barrier: An over-the-counter (OTC) barrier cream made with bentoquatam (known to shield the skin against poison ivy) can also offer protection.
- Wash clothing and pets: You should wash any contaminated items or clothing with soap or detergent. Also, be sure to bathe your pets to get any urushiol out of their fur.
After that, you’ll undoubtedly want to explore some solutions to help relieve the itching and redness.
Home remedies like those described below may help soothe mild cases. Though there is little research to support their use, some people try them with success.
That said, it’s always wise to consult your healthcare provider about any skin rash before self-treating.
If your case is severe, see your healthcare provider. You may need a corticosteroid prescription.