Cause and Symptoms

• Most susceptible to poison ivy are those who are sensitive to sunlight. Not everyone who comes in contact with poison ivy will have a reaction to it. The irritating substance within the plant which causes a reaction is called urushiol.
  
  Initial symptoms of a reaction to poison ivy are a burning and itching sensation. Next a red, intensely itchy rash may appear, which is often accompanied by swelling, oozing and crusting blisters. Symptoms may appear up to seven days after initial contact. Scratching spreads the infection.
  
  

Herbal Treatments

• Applying pure aloe vera gel as needed will help relieve the burning and itching sensation. Applying witch hazel will also help stop itching and aid healing. Applying tea tree oil with a cotton ball will help disinfect and heal skin affected by poison ivy.
  
  Extracts of the following herbs may be used topically as a remedy for poison ivy: black walnut extract, bloodroot, echinacea, goldenseal and myrrh. Black walnut has antiseptic properties to help fight infection, bloodroot reduces swelling, echinacea promotes wound healing, goldenseal reduces inflammation and myrrh is a powerful antiseptic.
  
  Equal parts of lime water and white oak bark made into a tea and cooled can be used in a compress. Replace the compress with a fresh one as soon as it becomes dry.
  
  

Additional Recommendations

• Although it seems counterintuitive, try applying compresses made with plain, hot water for brief intervals. Although the itching will briefly become very intense, it will stop for several hours as the nerves responsible for the itching become overloaded and quit.
  
  Relief of itching can also be achieved by making a paste made of water and cornstarch, water and baking soda, water and colloidal oatmeal, or Epsom salts. Combine three teaspoons of dry ingredient with one teaspoon of water.
  
  Tofu or watermelon rind may be applied to the area for cooling relief. Try to stay cool as heat and sweating can make itching worse.
  
  Should you experience extreme swelling and redness, a fever, or have poison ivy covering large areas of the body, consult a physician.