From the Guidelines
The most effective treatment for poison ivy is immediate washing with soap and water to remove the urushiol oil, followed by the use of cool compresses for symptom relief, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. The treatment for poison ivy involves several steps to relieve symptoms and promote healing.
- First, wash the affected area with soap and lukewarm water as soon as possible to remove the plant oil (urushiol) that causes the reaction, with studies showing that washing with soap and water can remove up to 100% of poison ivy oils if done immediately after contact 1.
- Apply cool compresses to reduce itching and inflammation, as this method is considered for relief of local symptoms from exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac 1.
- Oatmeal baths may also be considered for relief of local symptoms from exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac 1.
- The usefulness of over-the-counter topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone cream, and antihistamines to alleviate local symptoms from poison ivy is uncertain, with one study finding that 0.2% hydrocortisone lotion, 1.0% hydrocortisone ointment, 2.5% hydrocortisone ointment, and 2.5% hydrocortisone cream did not improve symptoms 1. For severe cases with widespread rash or facial involvement, see a doctor who may prescribe stronger corticosteroids like prednisone, typically starting at 40-60mg daily and tapering over 2-3 weeks.
- Avoid scratching the rash as this can lead to infection.
- The rash typically resolves within 1-3 weeks as your body processes the urushiol oil that triggered the allergic contact dermatitis. Prevention is important - learn to identify poison ivy plants (leaves of three, let them be), wear protective clothing in wooded areas, and wash any potentially exposed skin, clothing, or gear promptly after outdoor activities.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses For temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation and rashes due to: ● eczema ● seborrheic dermatitis ● psoriasis ● insect bites ● poison ivy, oak, sumac ● soaps ● detergents ● cosmetics ● jewelry ● external feminine genital and anal itching The treatment for poison ivy includes hydrocortisone (TOP) for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to poison ivy, as stated in the drug label 2.
- Key points:
- Hydrocortisone (TOP) can be used for temporary relief of itching associated with poison ivy.
- The drug label specifies that other uses of this product should be only under the advice and supervision of a doctor.
From the Research
Treatment Options
- Washing the affected area immediately with a solvent suitable for lipids can help remove the urushiol oil from the skin 3
- Using anti-inflammatory agents, especially corticosteroids, can help reduce the inflammation and itching associated with poison ivy dermatitis 3
- Post-exposure prevention methods, such as using a surfactant (e.g. Dial ultra dishwashing soap), an oil-removing compound (e.g. Goop), or chemical inactivation (e.g. Tecnu), can provide some protection against poison ivy dermatitis, with reported protection rates of 56.4% to 70% 4
- Extensive washing with soap and cold water is also recommended to remove the urushiol oil from the skin 5
Prevention
- Avoiding contact with the poison ivy plant is the best way to prevent poison ivy dermatitis 3, 5, 6
- Wearing protective clothing and using barrier creams can also help prevent exposure to the urushiol oil 3
- A vaccine (immunotherapy) is being developed, but it is not yet available 6