I thought: "There should be a PSA about how bad this is! People need to know!!
Tips for Surviving and Coping with Poison Ivy (a.k.a. "vine of horrors")
I thought: "There should be a PSA about how bad this is! People need to know!!
This is the stuff that helped me.
Most Effective
I had it BAD. Nothing makes it go away and it takes weeks to go away completely. New areas become affected over time so don't surprised if it appears to be "spreading" as less sensitive or less-exposed areas join the fun a few days into the process. You can do it! Just hang in there and adjust your routine. I started getting up about an hour early and starting my bedtime routine about an hour before bed. I also swore off long-sleeve shirts, even at the office. I explained it was just too uncomfortable and that's how it had to be for a while.
Most Effective
- Colloidal Oatmeal Baths (I took at least one hot bath per day and added baking soda to it, too)
- Epsom Salt Baths (One hot bath per day)
- I CAREFULLY used a hair dryer or very hot water from hand-held showerhead to apply heat to the affected areas. When hot enough, it will feel like you are scratching deeply and provides instant short term relief. It actually feels good. Just having a break helps you get through the day, but be very careful not to burn your skin. For water, I actually use an instant read kitchen thermometer to get it as hot as I could while avoiding injury. From what I read, it's important to not exceed 110 degrees water temp, ever!!! It's best to stay below 104.
- Calamine lotion – I put this on very thick before bed and let it dry, then put on long sleeve PJ’s to keep it off the sheets. It dries it out and until you wash it off, kind of creates a barrier to stuff rubbing the skin.
This stuff also helped
- Tecnu Medicated Anti-Itch Spray (they also make soap)
- Aloe vera gel with lidocaine helped a little bit
- Colloidal oatmeal cream.
- I also used witch hazel towards the end which had kind of a cooling effect for me, but not sure how much it helped since it was towards the end.
This stuff did NOT help (not me, at least)
- Cortizone
- Benadryl
- Eczema creams
- Other lotions/creams
Stuff I didn't try, but will if I am unfortunate enough to have a "next time"
- Caladryl lotion
- Apple cider vinegar
I hope this info helps you.
At the time of publication, I am not sponsored by anyone nor plugging any products for compensation. Any brand names are included because that's just what I used. Don't get me wrong, it would be cool if that changed. (Hint, hint... are you listening Tecnu? LOL)