Expert Q&A for How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy Rashes

Try applying over-the-counter topical creams, such as corticosteroid cream and calamine lotion. You can use corticosteroid cream for 1 to 3 days to treat a poison ivy rash. Use calamine lotion as often as you need to help control itching.

Usually, there will be patches or streaks of red raised blisters on your skin.

No. While the poison ivy rash may take some time to heal and go away, it should not leave any permanent mark. Keep in mind, though, that you should not scratch at the rash. If you scratch too much, the scratching can damage your skin and possibly leave a mark.

When the blisters begin leaking, use a soft damp cloth to gently wipe them off. This is actually a sign that the rash is beginning to "peak" and will be getting better soon. Within a few days, the oozing or leaking will stop once the blisters begin to heal.

It varies from one person to the next. It can take hours or even days for the rash to develop.

It will likely sting quite a bit, especially if any of the blisters have opened.

No one has to know where your rash is! Use the methods and approaches recommended in the article and avoid talking to people about the specific location of the rash!

Both poison ivy and poison oak can take some time to disappear. If you have tried one of the methods listed and it hasn't helped, try another method. Everyone is different, and some methods may work better than others.

The timing of oozing varies from one person to another. It can also depend on how much of the poison ivy you were exposed to. Some rashes never ooze. For most, blisters and oozing begin within about 1 week of exposure.

Poison ivy doesn't always have blisters, though it does for most people. Your reaction may be different than another person's reactions because you are not as sensitive to it or because you were exposed to less of the toxin.

The substances in tea can act as an astringent and can therefore reduce the itching and swelling.

When you first notice the rash, the alcohol may be used to provide some relief and to dissolve the uroshiol-- the substance that causes the rash. Some people get relief by dabbing a little bit of alcohol (as opposed to pouring) on the rash. Using alcohol later on though can cause stinging, especially if the blisters have opened.

Is it possible that you are getting re-exposed to poison ivy? Check your environment for poison ivy plants.

The best way is to wear long sleeved shirts, even though it is hot. However, keeping your arms dry and pores closed will not necessarily keep the rash from spreading.

Prevention is key. First, make sure you can identify poison ivy (or poison oak) as a plant during all seasons. Secondly, make sure you wear long pants (tucked into your shoes/boots if you can) and long sleeves. Try to be aware of your surroundings as much as possible. If you are exposed, rinse off the area as soon as you can with as much cold water as you can.

Scratching can spread the toxin and the rash. If you don't scratch, it can still sometimes look like it is spreading because it may take time for the rash to appear in different areas of skin that was exposed to the poison ivy.

Yes. Poison ivy is not contagious in the way a viral or bacterial infection is contagious, but if you have the toxin on your fingers or hands and touch someone, the toxin can transfer on to the other person.

When your skin is exposed to the toxin in poison ivy, the cells of the skin react and affect the nerves in the area of the rash. Burning and hurting are the signals that the irritated nerves are sending to your brain.

Is there any way you could have been exposed to poison ivy? If you don't think you have been exposed to poison ivy, you might want to make an appointment with your doctor. A poison ivy rash can look like other rashes with redness, swelling, itching and blisters.

The rash can be spread if any of the poison ivy material remains on your hands, so, yes, it can spread by touch. Make sure you wash your hands well before touching any other part of your body.

Giving your dog a shower or bath will help. Make certain you protect yourself by wearing gloves. Use a dog-safe shampoo and rinse as well as your dog will let you. Repeat the shower or bath as often as you can. It may help to have your dog's fur shaved off, but let the groomer know about your suspicions. Also, call your vet for suggestions.

Yes-- though you should dilute the tea tree oil in olive oil or some other oil that you have used on your face before. You can put 1 drop of tea tree oil in a teaspoon of oil. You want to make sure you don't make the rash worse by using an oil that your skin is sensitive to.

That would be very rare. Make an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist. There may be something other than poison ivy, oak or sumac going on.

Go talk to your mom, dad or a trusted adult. Ask them to take you to see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you have a poison ivy rash.

Try taking an oral anti-histamine containing diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl). If getting the rash wet makes it worse, try wrapping a cold-pack or ice-pack in a towel and cooling the rash.

It all depends on how extensive the reaction is and how you as an individual react to the poison ivy. In the same way, for some people, using only one method can relieve the itching while others have to try a few before they find the best one for them.

No. The substance that is causing the rash has been absorbed into your skin. There is no way you can "squeeze" it out.

No. The substance that is causing the rash has already been absorbed into the skin. The nail polish will probably not do anything, except possibly irritate your skin even more.

No, you do not have to wash everything every day, but you should wash them frequently.

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be more that you can do except be patient and wait.