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HomeHealth TopicEnvironmental Health

The 6 Best OTC Treatments and Home Remedies for Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Katie E. Golden, MDMaria Robinson, MD, MBA
Updated on August 8, 2023

Key takeaways:

  • A poison ivy rash can happen when you’re exposed to oil in the poison ivy plant (urushiol). The same rash can happen from contact with poison oak or sumac.

  • There are over-the-counter poison ivy treatments that can help relieve some of the most bothersome symptoms — like itchiness, burning, and redness.

  • While most people can treat a poison ivy rash at home, more severe cases may need medical attention and prescription medication.

Black and white close-up of a gloved hand applying ointment to a bad poison ivy rash on someone's forearm.
Iri-s/iStock via Getty Images

Get immediate medical attention if you're experiencing any signs of a severe reaction. This includes difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing or coughing, or swelling around the eyes, face, lips, or mouth.

More than half of the population in the U.S. is allergic to the oil on the poison ivy plant. This oil — known as urushiol — is in every part of the plant, including the leaves and stem. Urushiol is also found in poison oak and sumac plants.

When the oil touches your skin, it can cause redness, swelling, and itchiness. You may get a blistering rash (tiny bubbles of skin filled with fluid), which can be very uncomfortable. 

As soon as you realize you have been exposed to poison ivy, oak, or sumac, wash your skin with soap and cold water. You can use soap and water or rubbing alcohol to wash any exposed surfaces — this includes washing exposed clothes. This helps remove urushiol and may help prevent further spread. 

But even if you do your best to limit your contact with the oil, you may still end up with a poison ivy rash. Let’s review some over-the-counter (OTC) products and home remedies that might be helpful.

1. Oral antihistamines

Antihistamines are a group of medications that treat many allergic conditions. These medications work by blocking histamine — a natural chemical your body makes when you have an allergic reaction. Antihistamines are particularly helpful for itch relief.

There are two groups of antihistamines: 

  • First-generation antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), have a known side effect of making you tired. If your poison ivy rash is itchy and keeps you up at night, a first-generation antihistamine like diphenhydramine may help. 

  • Second- and third-generation antihistamines don’t make you as drowsy. These include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra). These may be better to treat itchiness during the day.

Since antihistamines have side effects, they’re not the best OTC treatment for everyone. And they should not be given to children under 6 years old.  

2. Steroid creams

Hydrocortisone 1% cream is a low-dose, topical steroid that can help your poison ivy rash by lowering skin inflammation. This can help treat redness and itchiness. You can apply it to the affected area three to four times daily. 

3. Oatmeal baths

Oatmeal baths can be a helpful remedy for any sort of irritated skin. They help reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin — this can also help prevent dry skin that may worsen the irritation. And they’re easy to prepare at home with uncooked oatmeal. 

To prepare an oatmeal bath:

  • Use any unflavored oatmeal.

  • Grind or blend the oatmeal in a food processor.

  • Add the oatmeal powder to a bathtub with lukewarm water.

  • Soak in the tub for 15 minutes.

4. Calamine lotion

Calamine lotion is a mix of zinc oxide and ferric oxide that can help soothe and dry up oozing blisters. So this can help treat the rash and itching. 

Calamine products sometimes contain pramoxine (a local anesthetic) too. Pramoxine works by numbing the skin, which may relieve itching and pain associated with your rash. Each calamine product may be a little different, so follow the directions on the label for how to apply it.

5. Astringents

Astringents — like aluminum acetate (Domeboro) — can help relieve your rash by drying out blisters that are oozing fluid. 

Domeboro solution comes as packets that you mix with water. You'll mix 1 to 3 packets in 16 oz of water and stir until it dissolves. If you’re using it as a soak, submerge the affected area in the mixture for 15 to 30 minutes.

To use the mixture as a wet compress, soak a clean cloth in the solution and cover the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes. You can repeat this process three times daily or as your healthcare provider recommends.

6. Cool compresses

Cooling down the skin can be a simple but effective home remedy — especially when you have the urge to itch the rash. Wet a clean washcloth with cold water and apply it directly to the skin. Try not to rub the skin with the cloth, as that can worsen skin irritation.

Is one OTC medication better for getting rid of poison ivy?

When it comes to OTC medications and home remedies, no single treatment is better than the next. The best treatment for you will depend on your symptoms and your personal preferences. For example:

  • If itching is the main symptom that’s bothering you, an oral antihistamine may be most helpful. Benadryl is better at night since it makes you sleepy. Nondrowsy antihistamines — like Zyrtec — are better during the day.

  • If you prefer not to take an oral medication, steroid creams and calamine lotion can also help relieve itching.

  • Calamine lotion and astringents are good options to treat oozing blisters.

  • Oatmeal baths and cool compresses are great, non-medication options that can help soothe the skin and relieve itching.  

Your medical history matters, too. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist first if you're pregnant, take other medications, or have health conditions. This is especially important with oral medications. Your provider can help you choose a treatment that’s safe for you.

It may also help to consider side effects when choosing an OTC poison ivy treatment.

Side effects from OTC poison ivy rash treatments

Like all medications, side effects may occur after using OTC poison ivy treatments. Below, we cover the potential side effects that different poison ivy medications can cause.

OTC medication

Common side effects

Oral antihistamines

Tiredness, dizziness, constipation, difficulty urinating, dry mouth

Steroid (hydrocortisone 0.1%) cream

Burning, itching, dry skin

Oatmeal bath

Dry skin

Calamine lotions

Dry skin

Astringents (Domeboro)

Dry skin

When should you see a healthcare provider for a poison ivy rash?

Get immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing any signs of a severe reaction. These include:

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Chest tightness

  • Wheezing or coughing

  • Swelling around the eyes, face, lips, or mouth

Otherwise, see your provider as soon as possible if:

  • Your rash isn't getting better after 7 to 10 days

  • You’re not sure the rash is from poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

  • Your rash covers 25% or more of your body.

  • The rash has spread to your face or genitals.

  • You have itching that makes it impossible to sleep or work.

You may need prescription medication — like oral steroids — to help treat the rash. Or you may need additional testing or evaluation to make sure the rash is not coming from something else.

You should also see your provider if you notice any signs that your rash could be getting infected. These include:

  • A fever

  • Pus or soft, yellow scabs

  • Tenderness or pain to the touch

The bottom line

Most people are allergic to the oil in poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that can alleviate your symptoms. These can be an effective way to relieve itchiness and soothe the skin. But keep in mind that these OTC treatments are best for mild rashes. If your rash or symptoms feel moderate to severe, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. You may need additional treatment to help keep you safe and speed up your recovery.

View All References (4)

American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash.

Joy, N. (2022). Calamine lotion. Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Tufts Medical Center Community Care. (n.d.). Poison ivy, sumac, and oak.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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