So I'm out tending my plants and thought I'd give my husband some help in cutting down some vines. I use gloves and didn't touch my face. I go away on business and I see a horrible rash. I had NO clue what is was, because I'm a city person who has never gone camping or out in the woods for any reason. My husband said he told me, but of course I don't remember. I go to an urgent care place and the provider tells me it's a classic case of poison ivy. She tells me that she just was reviewing the symptoms a few days ago. Anyway does anyone one a quick cure? Or do I have to ride this thing out? I'm using the lotion she prescribed as well as some clay.

Plantain works for me. I like to toss a bunch of leaves in a bag and toss that in the freezer. The freeze releases the liquid within the leaf when thawed, the cold helps as well. Other options are smashing, chewing (it is edible), burning etc., in order to release the juice. Easy to find, and lucky for us the leaves are large and juicy this time of year ; )

Brent,

I have to hand it to you bro.
You are the MacGyver of "wild plants" (compliment).

Get well soon Smaritza

Thanks to the both of you!! I'm going to find some plantain tomorrow!

It is closer than the pharmacy!

Try crushing the juicy stems of Jewel Weed (Impatiens capensis) and dab this liquid onto the skin affected by the poison ivy.  Jewel Weed grows in damp places and on the banks of streams and ponds, etc.  I also think that you will be able to find Jewel Weed decoctions in stores specializing in herbal and natural preparations.

If you locate this plant in the wild, bring plenty of the juicy stems back home, throw stems in a blender, strain out the solids, and freeze the juice in ice cube trays.  Defrost as needed for a fresh supply.

Frank

Thanks, Frank!! I was just reading up on that.

I can look at posion ivy and get a rash! From my experience the best way to relieve the itch is a hot shower, I mean as hot as you can stand! Let the hot water pound down on the rash. Its better than sex!!!!! Last few times I had it I got a shot at the doctor and it cleared up pretty quick.

Rx:
Kenalog 40 mg IM stat. And/Or Oral Pred-pak. --- For severe case of rhus


Tecnu is a good OTC topical product

Cortisone (prednisone) works, which is what Frank suggested. You can fine it in creams in several products to relieve itching.  However, it's palliative, like everything else mentioned above, each of which I have found to be effective to some degree. The buckhorn is good for mosquito bites, to and the Touch-me-Not impatiens is good for a brush with nettles. The poison ivy active agent is urushiol, an oil. Best cure is prevention, but if exposed, an oily soap, or a solvent followed by liberally application of soap is good. Tecnu is a product that claims not only to dissolve the oil, but to chelate it, so it is neutralized. Tecnu works.

My DH is now allergic after never having any reaction to poison ivy ! He found Technu works very well.

Plantain. My wife got a rash and I had her put some plantain juice on it. Within 10 min. She's going "Oh no! It's getting worse. It's turned brown". No! It was a red weepy rash. When it turns brown it's drying out and forming a scab. I cook plantain in olive oil with cayanne pepper as an amplifier and make a salve. It's worked where nothing else, either OTC or prescription, did.

Poison ivy rash is miserable. It is very important if you spend anytime outdoors that you can identify it so it can be avoided.

Rob made an interesting point about hot water giving very pleasurable relief from itching. I read that not everyone has this relief from hot water. I do, and agree, it seems to flood the brain with endorphins.

Poison Ivy is a beautiful plant in the fall, with shades of red, yellow, orange and green.

Hope you find relief Smaritza.

Mike in Hanover, VA

should it happen again, washing immediately with soap n water will decrease symptoms.

it is an allergic reaction so benydril also helps.

doing both these things also works with wasp stings.

Plantain has worked for me, but I am not very sensitive to it, I used to be able to get the sap all over my hands pull them out without gloves and no reaction, last time I checked I get a slight rash from it, but not anything that bothers me.

Thanks for all the help and ideas!! The funny thing was that it didn't show up until 3 days later.
I realize after lots of internet research that my yard is infested with that blasted plant!! The husband said he will get rid of it. He's not allergic.
I'm not going near it and will spray vinegar on it from afar..

It's a chemical dermatitis, so it takes a few days to fully bloom. I have known some people to get it from the oils carries with the smoke from burning the vines.  It  doesn't "spread"  on your body. There must be some contact between skin and oil. Oddly, cashews are related and the cashew nut has urushiol oil in it, which is denatured before it ever hits your mouth.

There is no quick cure. What might help you a bit with the rash is calamine lotion. Scratching and rubbing the area spreads the rash.So does using a sponge when bathing.
I got hit really bad by poison ivy over three times in three years now and every time the rash gets worse. I tried just about everything short of a cortisone shot.
The first few days are the worst. I avoid cortisone as it is not good for the body.
Now if I go to the woods, wearing long sleeves is my best defense. If you're cutting vegetation gloves are a must.
Don't touch your face,neck etc.. while gardening.

The rash is starting to fade, but is still itchy as all get out. I know now what to look for and plan to avoid at all costs.