What's the fastest way to get rid of poison ivy and oak?

Answer by  thattractorguy (2970)

Gradually run cool water to warm water with your affected area under the water. Then run the warm water to hot water without burning yourself. This seems to take off the poison. It may cause some itching, but your symptoms should clear up within a couple of days as oppose to a week or longer. Rubbing alcohol can work too.

Answer by  Darry (3853)

The quickest method is to clean the infected and surrounding areas in a bleach solution. This should be no more than 2 tablespoons to each liter of warm water. This will sting but should not be overly painful. Follow this with calamine lotion or similar preparation. Additionally a paste of crushed aspirin and water can help on small patches.

Answer by  msbee (484)

Calamine lotion helps to dry out skin relieve itching from poison ivy. Keep skin dry and apply calamine lotion frequently for a couple days until itchy has been alleviated and redness has diminished.

Answer by  kph0329 (637)

Calamine lotion is still the best treatment you can use for poison ivy or poison oak. It cools the skin and dries up the oozing skin. You can also apply colloidal oatmeal or soak in a tub of warm water with colloidal oatmeal.

Answer by  BrendaG (6111)

Oatmeal bath helps itching; put oatmeal in panty hose section, tie shut, place in bathwater and soak. Calamine lotion helps itch and helps dry it up. Antihistimines such as Benadryl will dry and reduce itchiness. A last result is the doctor who can prescribe steroids for you.