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Poison Ivy Home Remedies

Poison ivy, also known as poison oak, is a plant found commonly in North America. Also known as Toxicodendron diversilobum, poison oak is one of the most common causes of allergies all over the world. The plant grows as a weed and the leaves contain a chemical called urushiol oil, which can cause severe burning and itching on coming in contact with skin. Just by coming in contact with the leaves of the plant, blisters and rashes begin forming all over the body.

The extent of poison ivy rashes depends on skin sensitivity and the surface area and duration of contact with poison ivy. If there has been exposure to sensitive parts of the body like the eyes, lips, mouth, or genitals, the treatment of poison ivy allergies can become very difficult. It can also be extremely painful and uncomfortable. The symptoms usually grow worse after 24 to 48 hours of exposure. If the infection is mild, it can take about six to seven days for the symptoms to completely subside. Here are some home remedies for poison ivy which can help treat poison ivy allergies:

Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera is a natural disinfectant and could also help soothe the burning sensations on the skin. Simply tear a leaf from the aloe vera plant and apply the gel from the leaves on the affected areas of the skin.
Alcohol: Rubbing alcohol can help remove the urushiol oil which causes the burning sensation. As soon as you expose yourself to poison ivy, wash the exposed parts of your body with rubbing alcohol. After you have rubbed the skin with alcohol, rub table salt on the skin. This helps contain the rashes to a localized point and cure poison ivy allergies.
Banana Peel: To get rid of poison ivy rashes you can try another natural remedy for poison ivy. Simply place the affected area of the body under running water so that the histamines are washed away. Now, peel a banana and rub the inside of the banana along the affected areas.
Bleach: Bleach can help contain the spread of the histamines. Take a ¾ cup of warm water and add ¼ cup of bleach to it. Mix this weak solution well and using a piece of cotton or washcloth, wash the affected areas gently. This is considered an effective treatment for poison ivy.
Diet: To improve immunity against poison ivy allergies and for effective poison ivy treatment, consume large quantities of vitamin C. This can help prevent infection and also stop the otherwise rapid spread of the inflammation and the rashes.