The 6 Best OTC Treatments and Home Remedies for Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

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More than half of the population in the U.S. is allergic to the oil on the poison ivy plant. This oil - known as urushiol - is in every part of the plant, including the leaves and stem. Urushiol is also found in poison oak and sumac plants.

When the oil touches your skin, it can cause redness, swelling, itchiness, and a blistering rash (tiny bubbles of skin filled with fluid). These symptoms can be quite uncomfortable and cause you to seek fast relief to soothe your rash.

How do you treat a poison oak, ivy, or sumac rash?

As soon as you realize you've been exposed to poison ivy, oak, or sumac, wash your skin with soap and cold water. You can use soap and water or rubbing alcohol to clean any exposed skin surfaces. You should also wash exposed clothing. This helps remove urushiol and may help prevent further spread.

But even if you do your best to limit contact with the oil, you may still end up with a poison ivy rash.

Let's review six over-the-counter (OTC) products and home remedies that might be helpful.

1. Oral antihistamines

Antihistamines are a group of medications that treat many allergic conditions. These medications work by blocking histamine - a natural chemical your body makes when you have an allergic reaction. Antihistamines are particularly helpful for itch relief.

There are two groups of antihistamines:

• First-generation antihistamines: These medications, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), are known to make you tired. If your poison ivy rash is itchy and keeps you up at night, a first-generation antihistamine may help.

• Second- and third-generation antihistamines: These groups of medications are less likely to make you drowsy. Examples include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra). These antihistamines may be better to treat itchiness during the day.

Since antihistamines have side effects, they're not the best OTC treatment for everyone. And they shouldn't be given to children under 6 years old.

2. Steroid creams

Hydrocortisone 1% cream is a low-dose topical steroid that can help your poison ivy rash by lowering skin inflammation. This can help treat redness and itchiness. Apply it to your rash three to four times daily. Here are some brand-name OTC steroid creams you may find at your pharmacy:

• Cortizone-10

• Aquaphor Itch Relief Ointment

• CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

• Exederm Flare Control

3. Oatmeal baths

Oatmeal baths can be a helpful remedy for any sort of irritated skin, including poison oak rashes. They help reduce inflammation and moisturize your skin. This can also help prevent dry skin, which may worsen poison ivy rash irritation. Oatmeal baths are easy to prepare at home using uncooked oatmeal.

To prepare an oatmeal bath:

• Use any unflavored oatmeal.

• Grind or blend the oatmeal in a food processor.

• Add the oatmeal powder to a bathtub with lukewarm water.

• Soak in the tub for 15 minutes.

4. Calamine lotion

Calamine lotion is a mix of zinc oxide and ferric oxide, which can help soothe and dry up oozing blisters. This can help treat your rash and itching from poison ivy and sumac.

Calamine products sometimes contain pramoxine (a local anesthetic) too. Pramoxine works by numbing your skin, which may relieve itching and pain associated with your rash. Each calamine product may be a little different, so follow the directions on the label for how to apply it.

5. Astringents

Astringents can help relieve your rash by drying out the blisters that are oozing fluid. Useful OTC astringents include witch hazel, calamine lotion, and aluminum acetate (Domeboro).

Domeboro solution comes in packets that you mix with water. Mix 1 to 3 packets in 16 oz of water and stir until it dissolves:

• If you're using the solution as a soak, submerge the affected area in the mixture for 15-30 minutes.

• To use the mixture as a wet compress, soak a clean cloth in the solution and cover the affected area for 15-30 minutes.

You can repeat this process three times daily or as recommended by a healthcare professional.

6. Cool compresses

Cooling down your skin can be a simple yet effective home remedy - especially when you have the urge to scratch. To do this, wet a clean washcloth with cold water and apply it directly to your skin. Try not to rub your skin with the cloth, as that can worsen skin irritation.

Is one OTC medication better for getting rid of poison ivy?

When it comes to OTC medications and home remedies, no single treatment is better than the other. The best treatment for you will depend on your symptoms and your personal preferences.

For example:

• If itching is the main symptom that's bothering you, an oral antihistamine may be most helpful. Benadryl is better at night since it makes you sleepy. Non-drowsy antihistamines - like Zyrtec - are better during the day.

• If you prefer not to take an oral medication, steroid creams and calamine lotion can also help relieve itching.

• Calamine lotion and astringents are good options to treat oozing blisters.

• Oatmeal baths and cool compresses are non-medication options that can help soothe your skin and relieve itching.

Your medical history matters too. Talk with a healthcare professional first if you're pregnant, take other medications, or have health conditions. This is especially important with oral medications. A healthcare professional can help you choose a treatment that's safe for you.

Side effects from OTC poison ivy rash treatments

Like all medications, side effects may occur after using OTC poison ivy treatments. Below, we cover potential side effects that different poison ivy medications can cause.

When should you seek medical care for a poison ivy rash?

Get immediate medical attention if you're experiencing any signs of a severe reaction. These include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Chest tightness

• Wheezing or coughing

• Swelling around your eyes, face, lips, or mouth

In some cases, you may need prescription medication - like oral steroids - to help treat your rash. You may also need additional testing or an evaluation to make sure the rash isn't caused by something else.

See a healthcare professional as soon as possible if:

• Your rash isn't getting better after 7-10 days

• You're not sure the rash is from poison ivy, oak, or sumac

• Your rash covers 25% or more of your body

• The rash has spread to your face or genitals

• You have itching that makes it impossible to sleep or work

You should also see a healthcare professional if you notice any signs that your rash could be getting infected. These include:

• A fever

• Pus or soft, yellow scabs

• Tenderness or pain to the touch

Frequently asked questions

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