Home remedies can be incredibly powerful, and when it comes to poison ivy, the remedies we have here will bring sweet relief. Make sure to contact your primary physician if the itch and rash do not clear up.
Take a look at five of our favorite natural remedies.
Banana Peels
Now, you have a use for those overripe bananas besides the go-to banana bread. To soothe itchy skin, take a banana peel and rub the inside of it on the affected area. Another option to use instead of banana peels are watermelon rinds.
Camper Tip: The banana peel will alleviate itching, but will not remove the rash.
Baking Soda
This common household item is powerful enough to be used as both an anti-itch and even pimple treatment. To relieve the maddening itching of the poison ivy, try applying a mixture of baking soda and water to the affected area. Baking soda is known for its ability to draw the oils and toxins to the surface of your skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Also a common household staple, apple cider vinegar can be a powerful astringent. To soothe itchy skin affected by poison ivy, try soaking a brown paper bag in apple cider vinegar and apply to skin.
Camper Tip: You can also apply several times a day with a cotton ball to help remove poison.
Lemon Juice
Citrus has long been associated for its powerful and potent cleaning qualities. There’s also a reason why it is used in so many skin products as well for its ability to remove oil. It is also known as a potent poison ivy remedy for this very reason. When it comes in contact with the skin, poison ivy leaves deposit oil onto the skin. Apply lemon straight to the affected skin area right after contact to draw the oil out.
Cold Compresses
To combat itch from poison ivy, apply a cold compress to the itchy area. This will help to soothe the itchiness and to also prevent you from additional scratching.
Camper Tip: You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables as a cold compress.
Remember, these natural remedies provide relief from the poison ivy, but they will not cure it. Try taking over-the-counter antihistamines or see your doctor if your case is severe.