If you are suffering from a skin rash due to exposure to poison ivy or poison oak, it is likely that the rash will last for approximately two to four weeks. In this time, the rash will probably be itchy and irritating. Most poison ivy or poison oak rashes can be treated symptomatically at home with over-the-counter products, but some severe cases require medical attention.
There are many products available over-the-counter that can help with itching. Topical antihistamine creams, topical corticosteroid creams or calamine lotion can be applied directly to the rash to temporarily reduce itching and irritation. If you are having trouble sleeping due to the itching, antihistamines taken orally such as Benadryl can help with the itching and also tend to cause drowsiness. Another home remedy is to apply a cold, wet compress (not ice) for about 15 minutes several times per day.
Oatmeal baths or baths with baking soda can also have a soothing effect. The best type of oatmeal to use for an oatmeal bath is colloidal oatmeal, which is just oatmeal ground into a powder so it suspends better in water. Regular oatmeal will sink to the bottom of the bath tub and clog tub drains, and your skin is exposed to it less because it doesn’t dissolve very much. Colloidal oatmeal is available at drug stores for bathing purposes. For a baking soda bath, use 1/2 cup baking soda. To take a bath in oatmeal or baking soda, make sure to use slightly warm water, not hot water, which can irritate damaged skin. You can soak from 10 to 30 minutes to relieve the itching.
More severe cases of an allergic reaction to poison ivy or poison oak may require treatment by a doctor. You should see a doctor if your rash is located on sensitive areas, such as the face or genitals, or if the rash blisters severely or covers a large surface area. Corticosteroids taken orally as instructed can help reduce the severe inflammation. If the skin rash becomes infected, antibiotic treatment will be required.
