Today I defer to you, dear readers, to help me with a little problem. While it could be much worse, I am still suffering from a terribly itchy, gross-looking little bout of poison ivy on my arm. I’ve tried cortisone cream, but it’s still there en force. Because I’m working at camp all day, I’ve been having to throw a few Band-aids over it, but it still itches like whoa.
What do you do to get rid of this nasty stuff?!
This may sound crazy – But try nail polish remover. I once got a bit of poison ivy on my knee and was enraged because of it (I had a terrible bout with it just before this and was not about to go through that again). I dabbed a bit of remover on the spot. While it BURNED like nothing else and I instantly regretted that brash decision – The poison ivy was gone by morning.
I would obviously avoid this if any of the poison ivy has broken open… But if you’re daring and not afraid of a minute or two of intense self-hatred, go for it.
Thanks for all the advice, everybody!!!!!
– Lindsay
Fels Naptha Soap, it’s found on the laundry detergent isle of any common grocery store. It will dry out the skin and kill the poison ivy, also prevent it from spreading.
It also works great if you think you’ve been in contact with poison ivy, just scrub the area and it will prevent it.
I don’t know if you have time to see a doctor if you’re at camp, but I get bouts of contact dermatitis on my face (of all places) and my doctor prescribed me clobetasol cream. It’s a pretty powerful corticosteroid so I use it sparingly, but it’s helped when hydrocortisone hasn’t. According to wikipedia (the ultimate authority) it’s quite effective against poison ivy. They might sell it over the counter too, I’m not sure, but you could ask a pharmacist. Good luck and I hope it clears up soon…
My mother swears that bathing the area with mixture of plain vinegar and water will ease the itching. luckily, I am not allergic to poison ivy or poison oak, so I can’t give you any firsthand tips. You can always take a benadryl to help ease the itching.
Good luck,
Ugh – hate PI! I always have to get a shot. Otherwise – what helps me cool it down – St. Ive’s Oatmeal & Shea body wash and lotion. Sorry, girl. PI sucks!
Oh also, I’ve never tried this but supposedly – scrub the rash with dish detergent, it gives relief for a few hours and if you keep doing it, helps them go away.
steroid cream’s the only thing that kicks it for me 🙁 sorry you have it!