Poison ivy thrives in the southeastern portions of the United States and bears much in common with its cousins, poison oak and poison sumac. It can cause itching, blistering and painful rashes on any bare skin that comes into contact with it. Poison ivy symptoms tend to pass within a week or so, but in the meantime they can drive you mad. There's no real cure for it, but you can treat the symptoms until they go away.
Medicine
Most medicines treat poison ivy topically, with creams or lotions rubbed on the affected area. Calamine lotion and aloe vera are traditional cures, and lotions that contain menthol help soothe the skin as well. Many doctors suggest hydrocortisone and similar corticosteroid creams and may suggest oral antihistamines as well. Poison ivy is essentially an allergic reaction, which antihistamines can address. In severe cases, a doctor can prescribe more potent corticosteroids to help alleviate the symptoms. Most other forms of medication are available over the counter and can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Colloidal Oatmeal Soaks
Colloidal oatmeal is used to moisturize the skin and can provide short-term relief against poison ivy symptoms. Draw a cool bath, and pour one cup of colloidal oatmeal into the water as its filling up. Allow it to blend thoroughly with the water, then soak in it for 15 to 30 minutes. You can use lukewarm water if you like, but make sure it isn't too hot. Hot water dries out the skin and raises its surface temperature, which makes poison ivy symptoms worse. When you dry off, use a soft towel and blot off the water instead of rubbing. A colloidal oatmeal soak should help relieve the symptoms for two to four hours, and you can repeat it as necessary.
Cold Compresses
Cold compresses work because they're easy to make and can be refreshed at will. While they shouldn't supplant other forms of medication, they make a good option in a pinch or while augmenting more potent cures. Take a soft washcloth and soak it in icy cold water. Wrap ice cubes or crushed ice in it if you have any, then gently press it against the spot affected by the poison ivy. Avoid pressing down too hard, and refresh it with more ice or if it gets too warm. Hold it in place for 15 to 30 minutes. That should reduce the swelling and keep the worst of the itching in check.
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