Health Tip: Ease the Itch of Poison Ivy

Bathe in oatmeal or baking soda

(HealthDay News) -- Poison ivy rash usually isn't dangerous, but it sure is uncomfortable.

The American Academy of Dermatology offers these suggestions to help ease the itch:

  • Take a short, lukewarm oatmeal bath in a solution bought at the drug store.
  • Take a lukewarm bath and add 1 cup of baking soda to the bath water.
  • Take a short, cool shower.
  • Apply calamine lotion to the rash.
  • Apply a cool compress (wash cloth dampened with cold water) to the itchy skin.
  • Don't use a topical antihistamine, which could worsen the rash. But do take an oral antihistamine.

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