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Home Remedy for Poison IvyMany also know what contact with poison ivy can do to your skin. When you have come into contact with a poison ivy plant, the skin reacts to the urushiol, a potent chemical compound, found all over the plant in its resin. The reaction can take several forms: red, itchy bumps, blisters, inflammation and sometimes even fever and swelling of the face. If bad enough, a trip the doctor could be warranted, but usually you can get by using a home remedy for poison ivy. A common sense home remedy for poison ivy is: don't itch! Itching poison ivy can cause its spread which can lengthen the healing time of the reaction. Covering the area affected by poison ivy with clean gauze can minimize the chance of spreading the inflammation by minimizing contact of the reaction and other, unaffected skin. The next and most common home remedy for poison ivy is calamine lotion. Spreading it on the poison ivy, it will help cool the area and help minimize the itchiness experienced. Since calamine lotion helps the person affected by the poison ivy to stop scratching, it will inevitably speed healing time. Taking Zinc after a reaction to poison ivy will help repair the skin that has been damaged. Although this home remedy for poison ivy doesn't help with the actual outbreak, it can provide the body some assistance in healing up once the reaction has cleared. Other substances you can take to help your body heal and fight infection when you experience a poison ivy reaction are vitamin C, calcium and beta-carotene. These will help boost your immune system and reduce swelling, which will lead to your body healing at a quicker rate of speed. With or without a home remedy for poison ivy, the reaction to the plant should subside after 7 to 10 days. Also Read: |