READERS COMMENTS

The best way to cure it is with topical steriod creams or ointments. You can buy up to 1% hydrocortizone ointment (ointments are more effective than creams) over the counter, but you'll need to go to the doctor for a higher dose. Our doctor perscribed "Trac" cream or Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream for my kids and it has worked the best - we've also tried every cream under the sun! It clears up the itching right away and decreased the rash a lot in just a couple of days.
Posted: Aug 06, 2011 Susan

I found a cream that is tea trea oil and vitamin E. It really releaves the itch, and works a long time, however it is not a drying substance. If you want to get some sleep try that.
Posted: Jul 29, 2011 Connie

My son Matt is going to the Junior Olympics 7-30-11. He has poison ivy. Is there a remedy that is super fast, & inexpensive? He only has 6 days to heal. Please help! Thanks
Posted: Jul 23, 2011 Carol

It is also a good idea to wear scrubs when walking in the shrubs... They are lightweight so not so awfully hot in the summertime. This is what I usually do when picking berries... forgot to do it last week and ended up with a bad rash!! Duh.
Posted: Jul 08, 2011 Andrea

Hey I am using every cream i can find & I have found that caladryl isn't cutting it I am blistering & itching like a mad woman. Thank you for the homeopathic remedies i'm about to try them all.
Posted: Jun 28, 2011 melody

Scarlett

I have a hyper-sensitive issue too. I am also hyper-sensitive to a lot of the remedies for poison ivy. Try this stuff www.antiitchy.com
I spray it on before I go hiking....and then if I think I brushed up against some I spray it right away too. I think it destroys the urushiol oil if you spray it right away. It is the only thing I have found. I originally used it for my poison ivy rash after exposure and it was one of the only things I have found that works besides a cortisone shot. Good luck on avoiding the bubble life!
Chris
Posted: Feb 05, 2011 Chris

I have had poison ivy for a week now tried everything caladryl/damn near all the itch creams you can think of.This is what worked best for me.i clean it with rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball it will also help dry it out quicker.Benedryl at night and ivarest poison ivy itch relief you can buy it at walgreens.It was the only cream that worked for me has 3 active ingredients in it as to where others only have 1 or 2 it was only $6. when i took a bath it was in epsom salt.I would also use it 2 itch my skin stung just a little not bad at all. i also tried the bakeing soda an vinger made a paste and put it on my rash let it dry and wash it off . it only help the itch 4 about 2 hours..gd luck to anyone who has it
Posted: Sep 30, 2010 no danielle

The best relief I have found is HOT.. not warm, but HOT HOT showers on the affected area.
Posted: Sep 20, 2010 Jack

I like to keep thing simple and cheap. If I've been out and think that MAYBE I've been exposed, I take a shower and lather up with Dawn dishwashing liquid. It will wash the urushiol off, so that irritating oil will be gone. Itching before washing the urushiol off is what caused poison ivy to spread. After getting rid of the urushiol, you can treat any rash with isopropyl alcohol, it will dry up the sores of the rash. Finally, instead of scratching when I get an itch, I slap the area, it helps.
Posted: Sep 18, 2010 Dustin

I got poison Ivy on both arms from the elbow to my finger tips. I knew the expensive cremes and lotions didn't work so I logically thought out the problem. I found that Spray and Wash with Resolve (although I'm sure just spray & wssh would work)works great!!!
Poison Ivy residue is an oil-put spray & wash on the area for 5 minutes to let it break down the oil, rinse and repeat.
I had absolutely no Poison Ivy itch!!!
Several friends have also tried it with the same wonderful results.
Posted: Aug 30, 2010 Sally

The hair dryer worked! Thanks!
Posted: Jun 30, 2010 Ciara West

I have one of the best treatments for poison ivy. It is a lotion, when applied to the lesions, dries them up overnight and neutralizes the irritant oils.

More information at: www.handssweatnomore.com

Regards,

Dr. Carvel Lincoln
carvelg2@aol.com
www.handssweatnomore.com
Posted: Mar 15, 2010 Dr. Carvel Lincoln

Tecnu cleanser.I'm now almost immune to Poison Ivy. When I first used it I would wash 3 time with it. It cuts the itch waaaaay down. Now, with repeated exposure and Technu I can pull the stuff up with my bare hands, Occaisionally I'll get a blister, but rarely more.
Posted: Jan 14, 2010 hscsusiq

Hey Tori—

It sounds like you're already affected, which means you'll want to go straight to anti-inflammatory steroids. You'll have to go to your doctor to get them—for more information look in that section in the article above.

Good luck,
BP Crew
Posted: Mar 16, 2009 Backpacker Editor

Okay. So this year on every break I get poison Ivy ALL over my face and on the corner of my mouth. This week is spring break. So there goes all my plans. :( We have tried alot of things but it wont go away. It seems as if it is gettin worse. And I to have sensitive skin expecailly on my face. So if i get my leg in poison ivy it goes like straight to my face. Anything you have that can help me?
Posted: Mar 16, 2009 Tori

I had a severe case of poison ivy while training with the Iowa National Guard a few years back. Once traing was over, flew to visit my brother in LA. I was miserable with the deep itch caused by the ivy. Once in LA, I took a dip in the Pacific. The areas infected by the ivy burned so bad I nearly screamed. Once the initial pain subsided, I continued my swim. The next day, the rash was all but gone. Salt water is great for poison ivy. I highly recommend it.
Posted: Oct 07, 2008 Jeff

I just got over a bout of poison ivy. I had it all over my arms and ankles. The best remedy i found was to us a common hair dryer. Use it on the "hot" setting and it will take the itch away immediately.
Posted: Jun 29, 2008 liam

Hello
Is there any gear (clothing) that I could wear to prevent contact I like you am hyper-sensitive and have been hosptalized for exposure. other than living in a bubble any ideas.
Posted: Jun 10, 2008 Scarlett

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