Washing After Exposure

• If you realize you have been exposed to poison ivy before a rash appears, washing with tap water and lye soap can help stop the rash before it starts.
  
  

Soaking

• Soaking the rash in an oatmeal bath can help soothe the itch. Only soak in cool or lukewarm water as heat can inflame a rash.
  
  

Calamine Lotion

• After soaking, try rubbing calamine lotion over the inflamed area to help dry out the blisters. Creams such as hydrocortisone can help relieve the itch but do little to dry out the rash.
  
  

Oral Antihistamines

• Taking an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl will help relieve the itching but will not take care of the rash. Do not rub antihistamines over the rash; will only inflame the area more.
  
  

Time

• Although there are many ways to relieve itching and help dry out the rash, only time will take care of poison ivy. A rash generally takes about two weeks to run its full course.