Needed - good remedies for poison oak

[skygazer]

I've never had a problem with poison ivy or poison oak. Used to walk through it as a kid. However, I've managed to get a horrible case of it on my back of all places (not sure how - think maybe I got some on my hands then rubbed my shoulders and neck). Not realizing at first what it was, I scratched and it spread. This is not fun!!!

What can I put on it to ease the itching? Also, I'd love to take a bath - it seems like it would feel really good but is that a good idea? If it is, what could I put in the water that would soothe it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm in distress! :(

[realFedUp]

1. baking soda paste?

I don't know if it works, but it seems
to be the antidote for everything...

Sorry about your itches.

[ixion]

2. calamine lotion

should make you feel better.

[lutherj]

3. Best thing is to see a doctor. They can prescribe cortisone cream.

I haven't had it since I was a kid, so there may be other remedies now as well.

[commander bunnypants]

4. medrol dose pack from you doc

and bleach

Good luck

DDQM

[cally]

5. First, use Tecnu and gently wash your entire body

Clean your hands frequently during this so you don't spread it. This gets the oils off. Then use oatmeal baths, calomine, and cortisone cream. Tolerance for poison oak decreases with exposure. You may be more allergic to it now.

I'm horribly sensitive to it. I like to hike and can get poison oak from the air. I've spoken to several doctors about it and they do say that some people are hypersensitive to it and can react to the airborne particles. I spent much of my childhood playing in the 'woods' with lots of poison oak. I've had many severe cases so I guess I'm now very susceptible to it. I now shower with Tecnu every time I hike near poison oak. I haven't had it in 7 years.

[skygazer]

10. Thanks

You sound like the voice of experience! I'll give it a try. It's no fun at all, that's for sure.

[HEyHEY]

6. Pee in a cup and dump it in the affected area

[shanti]

7. try some antihistamines

to stop the itch. i feel for you, poison oak is awwwwful! it only takes a little bit to put you in misery.

my ex FIL had it once on a very private part! :O

[BeFree]

8. Hot water

Shower in water as hot as you can stand, then get it hotter.

There are some skin creams that work, ask your pharma.

If you can find a plant called Jewelweed/ Touch me not, use the juice from the stem. I get Poisoned all the time and Jewelweed does the trick.

[skygazer]

11. I have used jewelweed

My son used to get poison ivy and it worked well to soothe him. I have never seen it here in California, though.

[BigDaddyCaine]

9. watermellon when in season

baking soda is probably the best answer given in this thread. Mix it with water until its dissolved and wash the area. You can make a baking soda paste and spread it on the area too.