How to Treat Poison Ivy Rash

Poison ivy rash is caused by urushiol, an oily resin found in poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants. Up to 90% of people who touch this oil develop an itchy, blistering rash. The good news is that most cases clear up on their own within 2 to 3 weeks with simple home treatment.

Act Fast: Wash Immediately

If you touch poison ivy, rinse your skin right away with lukewarm, soapy water. Washing within 10 minutes can greatly reduce your chances of getting a rash. Also wash your clothes, shoes, and anything else that touched the plant—the oil can stick to surfaces and cause another rash later.

How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy Itch

Calamine lotion is a time-tested treatment that cools and soothes the itch. Apply it directly to the rash as needed. For mild cases, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (1%) helps reduce redness and itching by lowering inflammation.

Cool compresses also help. Soak a clean cloth in cold water and apply it to the rash. Oatmeal baths are another soothing option—use a colloidal oatmeal product and soak in lukewarm water.

Oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) can reduce itching. However, never apply antihistamine cream to your skin—it can make the rash worse.

What to Avoid

Don't scratch the rash—this can lead to infection. Avoid products containing neomycin, bacitracin, or benzocaine, as some people are allergic to these ingredients. Never burn poison ivy plants, as inhaling the smoke can cause serious breathing problems.

When to See a Doctor

See a healthcare provider if the rash covers a large area, affects your face or genitals, shows signs of infection (pus, increasing pain, fever), or doesn't improve after 7 to 10 days. Severe cases may need prescription corticosteroid pills or shots.