Rashes from poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac are all caused by a powerful plant-based toxin called urushiol. Urushiol is extremely potent: a "dot" of this volatile oil, the size of the head of a pin, is enough to cause a rash in 500 people. While poison oak rashes are rarely severe enough to be incapacitating, they are very uncomfortable and may require treatment.
Dozens of treatments for poison oak rashes are available. Home remedies, over-the-counter drugs and lotions and herbal medicines can be somewhat effective. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger medication. Rarely, poison oak rash may be so severe that it warrants hospitalization.
Plant-Based Remedies
Hikers, campers and backpackers swear by jewelweed, a wild plant that soothes dermatitis from many different ailments. Jewelweed can be readily identified by its yellow-orange flowers. Its stems contain an aloe-like gel that acts as a natural protectant and analgesic for the skin. When applied immediately after contact with poison oak, jewelweed can prevent a rash from occurring.
Aloe vera is another plant-based compound that is very soothing for all sorts of skin inflammation. It can be combined with astringent plant extracts like lavender, goldenseal, and comphry to speed the healing process and decrease inflammation. Commercial preparations of aloe vera are inexpensive and easy to find.
Kitchen-Pantry Cures
Used separately, both vinegar and baking soda are capable of decreasing inflammation, itching and pain associated with poison ivy rashes. It may be especially useful to alternate treatments between the two home remedies, which use fluctuations in pH to trigger the body's healing mechanisms. Vinegar or baking soda can be applied directly to a rash or used in a bath.
Oatmeal is another popular, safe home remedy for poison oak rashes. Finely ground oatmeal can be added to a warm bath, or a thick oatmeal paste can be applied directly to the site of the rash. This immediately relieves discomfort and adds a protective barrier to the skin.
Over-the-Counter Creams
Almost all drug stores carry hydrocortisone cream, a topical steroid that is one of the most powerful non-prescription treatments for poison oak rash. It can dry and soothe weeping, oozing blisters and enable the skin to heal itself. Calamine lotion is another soothing, drying agent, and benzocaine--a topical anesthetic--can help to alleviate pain and itching.
Diaper rash ointments can also be effective treatments for poison oak rash. Ointments containing zinc oxide help to dry the skin and protect it from damage and infection. A combination of diaper ointment and Gold Bond anti-itch cream is reputed to be one of the most effective home treatments for poison oak rashes.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Antihistamines can drastically reduce the most troublesome symptoms associated with poison oak rashes. Benadryl is the most potent over-the-counter antihistamine, and it is even more effective when taken in conjunction with other antihistamine drugs, such as Claritin. These medications immediately reduce itching and irritation, and may prevent the spread of the rash.
Oral analgesics, including NSAIDs like aspirin, acetominophin and ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain and inflammation caused by poison oak rashes. A combination of pain-relievers and antihistamines may be the key to relief from the nagging, unpleasant symptoms associated with the rash.
Prescription Treatments
When home treatments and over-the-counter remedies fail to work, or when poison oak has infected sensitive parts of the body like the eyes or mouth, doctors may prescribe steroids or other powerful treatments for poison oak rash. The most common prescription treatment for poison oak rash is oral prednisone, a steroid that is highly effective but associated with many unpleasant side effects.
Steroids can also be given by injection. Doctors may give one or several injections of hydrocortisone near the site of the poison oak rash. If the area has become infected with bacteria, antibiotics may also be necessary to prevent further complications. The extent of prescription treatment will depend on the severity of the rash.
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