This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

POISON IVY: The Do's and the Don'ts

It’s that time of the year, we are three weeks into summer and that also means that poison ivy and poison oak has taken over your yard.

If you have been exposed to poison ivy, here is some tips that could help:

The Do’s:

Find out what's happening in Kirkwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

·         Place clothes and shoes in a garbage bag to be washed separately in hot water.

·         In order to break up the oils in poison ivy, that causes a reaction, use Zanfel or Technu to cleanse the area. For a more economical option, rinse with liquid dish soap and luke warm water.

Find out what's happening in Kirkwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

·         For extended soothing and cooling relief, use Calamine lotion. This protects the area from the elements (Zinc Oxide is a sun-block), as well as has a cooling effect to dispel itching. To further relieve itching and redness, apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone to the cleansed area. You can apply up to 4 times a day. Make sure to wash your hands after you apply the cream.

·         I recommend a Benadryl tablet for nighttime relief. Benadryl contains diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine that reduces inflammation due to allergic reaction. Make sure to take this at night, as it can cause drowsiness.

·         Natural remedies include using Lye Soap. Grandma’s Poison Ivy and Oak Bar, contains Jewelweed that can help prevent and treat poison Ivy.

The Don’ts:

·         Whatever you do, DON’T scratch the area, as this may cause further irritation.

·         Benadryl is a great oral antihistamine but it does not work nearly as well as a topical product. I recommend the products listed in the “Do’s” list instead of topical diphenhydramine such as Benadryl Spray or Cream.

·         If you get a rash in your eyes, mouth or nose, do not self-treat and consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Visit Greentree Pharmacy if you have poison ivy.  Our pharmacist can make recommendations for you to help alleviate your symptoms.

Best in Health,

Paul Hueseman, PharmD

Greentree Pharmacy

301 S. Kirkwood Rd.

Kirkwood, MO 63122

(314) 394-2404

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Kirkwood