Poison ivy rash can be an incredibly uncomfortable and irritating experience. Many people have suffered from this condition. Even a tiny amount is enough to cause a reaction. The rash usually appears within 12-48 hours after exposure and can last for weeks. While it’s not possible to eliminate the rash overnight, there are several effective methods to significantly reduce symptoms and speed up the healing process. Here are 14 easy ways to help you get relief from poison ivy rash as quickly as possible…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
What is Poison Ivy Rash?
Poison ivy rash is a form of allergic contact dermatitis caused by exposure to urushiol. This is an oily substance found in the leaves, stems, and roots of poison ivy plants. When this oil comes into contact with your skin, it triggers an immune response that leads to inflammation, itching, and the formation of a red, bumpy rash. In some cases, the rash may also develop into fluid-filled blisters.
A poison ivy rash typically appears as red, itchy, and swollen skin. It may have a streaky or linear appearance, following the pattern of contact with the plant. In some cases, small bumps or blisters filled with clear fluid may develop.
The rash is often very itchy and can be painful or burning. The appearance of the rash can vary depending on the severity of the reaction and the individual’s skin type.
How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy Rash
How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy Rash Overnight: 14 Easy Ways
1. Wash the affected area thoroughly
The first and most crucial step in treating poison ivy rash is to remove any remaining urushiol oil from your skin. This oily substance is what causes the allergic reaction and can spread to other parts of your body or even to other people if not removed promptly.
As soon as you realize you’ve been exposed to poison ivy, wash the affected area with warm water and mild soap for at least 10 minutes. Be sure to clean under your fingernails and any other areas that may have come into contact with the plant.
If you have any clothing, shoes, or gear that may have been exposed, wash those items thoroughly as well to prevent re-exposure.
2. Apply a cool compress
One of the most effective and simple ways to find relief from poison ivy rash is to apply a cool compress to the affected area.
Soak a clean, soft cloth in cold water, wring it out, and apply it to the rash for 15-30 minutes at a time, several times a day. The cold temperature helps reduce inflammation, swelling, and itching, providing much-needed relief.
You can also use ice packs wrapped in a towel if you prefer a colder sensation. Be sure not to apply ice directly to your skin, as this can cause further irritation and even damage to the delicate skin.
3. Take an oatmeal bath
Oatmeal has long been used as a natural remedy for various skin irritations, and for good reason. It contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help calm irritated skin, reduce itching, and promote healing.
To make an oatmeal bath, simply add 1 cup of finely ground colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. You can find colloidal oatmeal at most drugstores. Or you can make your own by grinding plain, unflavored oats in a food processor or blender until they reach a fine, powder-like consistency.
After your bath, pat your skin dry gently with a soft towel, don’t rub, as this can further irritate the skin.
Calamine Lotion
4. Use calamine lotion
Calamine lotion is a popular and widely available over-the-counter remedy for poison ivy rash and other skin irritations. It contains zinc oxide and ferric oxide. These work together to help dry out blisters, soothe itching, and promote healing.
To use calamine lotion, apply a thin layer to the affected area as needed, but be sure not to apply it to any broken skin or open sores. You can reapply the lotion several times a day as needed for relief. But if you experience any worsening of symptoms or irritation, discontinue use.
5. Try hydrocortisone cream
For more severe cases of poison ivy rash, or for those who don’t find relief with calamine lotion, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may be a more effective option.
This topical steroid works by reducing inflammation and itching, providing stronger relief than calamine lotion alone. Look for a cream with 1% hydrocortisone and apply it to the rash twice daily, following the instructions on the package carefully.
Don’t use the cream for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor. Because prolonged use of topical steroids can cause side effects like skin thinning and discoloration.
6. Take an oral antihistamine
Oral antihistamines can be a lifesaver when it comes to managing the intense itching associated with poison ivy rash. Over-the-counter options like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) work by blocking the histamine response that causes itching, swelling, and inflammation.
They can also cause drowsiness, which may be helpful if the itching is keeping you up at night. If you need relief during the day without the drowsy side effects, look for non-drowsy options like loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Always follow the dosage instructions on the package and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or pre-existing medical conditions.
7. Apply aloe vera gel
Aloe vera is a natural wonder when it comes to soothing skin irritations and promoting healing. It contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds that can help reduce swelling, itching, and the risk of infection.
To use aloe vera for poison ivy rash, simply apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel to the affected area. You can find aloe vera gel at most drugstores, or you can harvest it directly from an aloe plant if you have one.
For extra cooling relief, try refrigerating the gel before applying it to your skin. Just be sure to do a patch test first to ensure you don’t have any allergies or sensitivities to aloe.
8. Make a baking soda paste
Baking soda is another simple but effective home remedy for poison ivy rash. When mixed with water to form a paste, it can help dry out oozing blisters, relieve itching and inflammation, and promote healing.
To make a baking soda paste, mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water until it forms a thick, spreadable consistency.
Apply the paste to the affected area and let it dry completely before rinsing it off gently with cool water. You can repeat this process several times a day as needed, but be sure to stop if you experience any irritation or worsening of symptoms.
9. Soak in an Epsom salt bath
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, has been used for centuries to relieve a variety of ailments. This includes skin irritations and muscle aches. When added to a warm bath, it can help reduce swelling, dry out blisters and rashes, and promote healing.
To make an Epsom salt bath, add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm (not hot) bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. Be sure not to stay in the bath too long, as the warm water can sometimes be irritating to sensitive skin.
Apple cider vinegar is a versatile home remedy that can be used for a variety of skin issues, including poison ivy rash. The acidity in the vinegar helps dry out blisters, reduce itching, and promote healing, while its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin.
To use apple cider vinegar for poison ivy rash, soak a cotton ball or soft cloth in the vinegar and gently dab it on the affected area. Be sure not to use this remedy if you have any open sores or broken skin, as the vinegar will sting and cause further irritation. If you experience any burning or irritation, rinse the area off with cool water after 15 minutes.
11. Use a cold milk compress
Milk may seem like an unlikely remedy for poison ivy rash, but it can be quite soothing and effective for irritated skin. The fat and proteins in milk help calm inflammation, reduce redness, and promote healing. The cold temperature provides relief from itching and discomfort.
To make a cold milk compress, soak a clean, soft cloth in cold milk and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time. Any type of milk will work, but whole milk may be the most effective due to its higher fat content. After using the compress, be sure to rinse the area gently with cool water and pat dry.
Witch HazelSunburn
12. Try witch hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin issues, from acne to insect bites. It contains tannins that help reduce swelling, repair damaged skin, and relieve itching and inflammation.
To use witch hazel for poison ivy rash, simply apply it to the affected area using a cotton ball or soft cloth. You can find witch hazel at most drugstores, often in the form of liquid or pre-soaked pads.
Be sure to look for a product that doesn’t contain alcohol. This can be drying and irritating to the skin, especially when it’s already inflamed.
13. Dab on tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful essential oil that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. When applied to poison ivy rash, it can help speed up healing, prevent infection, and reduce itching and inflammation.
To use tea tree oil safely, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or olive oil. Use a cotton swab or clean finger to gently dab the mixture on the affected area. Be careful not to apply it to any open sores or broken skin. Never apply undiluted tea tree oil directly to your skin. Because it can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even chemical burns in some people.
14. Apply a bentonite clay paste
Bentonite clay is a type of natural clay that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin issues, from acne to eczema.
When mixed with water to form a paste, it can help draw out toxins, dry up blisters, and relieve itching and inflammation associated with poison ivy rash.
To make a bentonite clay paste, mix a small amount of bentonite clay powder with enough water to form a thick, spreadable consistency. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it dry for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off gently with cool water.
You can repeat this process once or twice a day as needed for relief. However, be sure to stop if you experience any irritation or worsening of symptoms.
Other Tips to Help Get Rid of Poison Ivy Rash Quickly
In addition to these home remedies, there are a few other things you can do to help your poison ivy rash heal faster and more comfortably:
Avoid scratching the rash at all costs. This can cause further irritation, increase the risk of infection, and even lead to scarring. If the itching is severe, try applying a cold compress, taking an oral antihistamine, or wearing gloves to bed to prevent unconscious scratching during sleep.
Leave blisters alone and let them heal on their own. Popping or picking at blisters can delay healing, and increase the risk of scarring or infection. This can even spread the rash to other parts of your body or other people. If a blister breaks on its own, gently clean the area with mild soap and water and apply a bandage to protect it from further irritation.
Wear loose, soft, breathable clothing. Try to avoid irritating the rash further and allow your skin to breathe and heal. Natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo, and silk are often the most comfortable and least likely to cause additional irritation or friction. Avoid tight, rough, or synthetic fabrics that can trap heat and moisture and aggravate your symptoms.
Stay cool and avoid overheating. The heat and sweat can aggravate itching, inflammation, and discomfort associated with poison ivy rash. If possible, stay in air-conditioned environments, use a fan to keep your skin cool and dry, and avoid hot showers, baths, or saunas until your rash has healed.
How to Identify Poison Sumac
How to Prevent Poison Ivy Rash?
Remember, the best way to prevent poison ivy rash is to learn to identify the plant and avoid contact with it whenever possible.
When spending time outdoors in areas where poison ivy may be present, wear protective clothing like long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves.
If you think you may have come into contact with the plant, wash your skin and clothing thoroughly with warm, soapy water as soon as possible.
If you do develop a poison ivy rash despite your best efforts, try not to panic or despair. While the rash can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and frustrating, it is rarely serious and will eventually go away on its own with time.
When to See a Doctor?
While most cases of poison ivy rash can be managed at home, there are some situations where you should seek medical attention. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any of the following:
Fever over 100°F (37.8°C)
Pus or soft yellow scabs on the rash, which could indicate an infection
Severe itching that interferes with sleep or daily activities
The rash spreads to sensitive areas like your eyes, mouth, or genitals
The rash doesn’t improve after a few weeks of home treatment
In severe cases, you may need to go to the emergency room right away. Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Swelling that causes an eyelid to swell shut
A rash that covers a large portion of your body
Uncontrollable itching that doesn’t respond to any treatments
Common Questions
1. How long does the poison ivy rash last?
The duration of a poison ivy rash can vary from person to person, but it typically lasts anywhere from one to three weeks. In most cases, the rash will start to improve within 7-10 days.
However, it may take up to 21 days for the skin to heal completely. Severe cases or those with complications like infection may take longer to resolve.
2. Is poison ivy rash contagious?
No, poison ivy rash itself is not contagious. You cannot catch poison ivy rash from someone else by touching their rash or the fluid from their blisters.
However, if there is still urushiol oil on their skin or clothing, you can develop a rash if you come into contact with it. This is why it’s important to wash thoroughly after exposure and handle contaminated items carefully.
3. Can you spread poison ivy rash on your body?
Yes, it is possible to spread poison ivy rash to other parts of your body if you still have urushiol oil on your skin. For example, if you touch the oil and then touch another part of your body, you can transfer the oil and develop a rash in that area. This is why it’s crucial to wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after exposure.
4. Does scratching poison ivy make it spread?
Scratching a poison ivy rash does not cause it to spread in the same way as spreading the oil can. However, scratching can lead to skin damage, bacterial infection, and scarring, which can make the rash more severe and prolong the healing process. Scratching can also be very uncomfortable and may interfere with sleep and daily activities.
5. Does poison ivy rash always blister?
No, not everyone who gets poison ivy will develop blisters. Some people may only experience red, itchy skin without blistering.
The severity of the reaction can depend on factors like the amount of urushiol oil encountered, the sensitivity to the oil, and overall health. People who have had poison ivy before or who are highly sensitive may be more likely to develop blisters.
Olabode Akanbi Thomas, popularly known as Bode Thomas, was born on October 1919 into the family of Andrew Thomas, a wealthy and influential Yoruba trader. He attended C.M.S. Grammar School, Bariga, a missionary school founded by the Church Missionary Society on the 6th of June, 1859
Bode Thomas studied Law in London alongside Chief FRA Williams and Remi Fani-Kayode (Femi Fani-Kayode’s father). Later on, Bode Thomas, FRA William and Remi Fani-Kayode established the first Law firm in Nigeria named Thomas, Williams and Kayode in Jankara Street, Lagos…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
Chief Bode Thomas rose to prominence at a young age. He became a member of the Regional House of Assembly in 1951. He represented the Western region as Minister of Transport under the Macpherson Constitution.
He was astute, workaholic, thoughtful and forward-looking. He was also a founding member of the Action Group. Prior to joining Action Group, he was a successful Lagos lawyer and was a member of the Nigerian Youth Movement.
Bode Thomas Vs Alaafin of Oyo
Reports claimed that Bode Thomas was a brilliant but very arrogant lawyer. He was said to be so arrogant to the extent that sometimes, people labelled him a bully. Judges hated the way he comported himself in court. They saw him as a brash and arrogant man.
Bode Thomas died in a controversial circumstance after his unfriendly encounter with Alaafin Adeyemi II, father of the current Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III. Both Alaafin Adeyemi II and Thomas (who was the Balogun of Oyo in 1949) were members of the Oyo Divisional Council. At a time, the respected Alaafin was chairman of the council before Thomas took over. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Alaafin Adeyemi II
OldNaija gathered that on November 22 1953, when Chief Bode Thomas arrived at a meeting of the council, all the other councillors, except Alaafin Adeyemi, stood up to welcome him. He rudely said to the king “why were you sitting when I walked in? Why can’t you show me respect?” Bode was 34 years old while the Alaafin was in his 60s.
Alaafin Adeyemi II felt very embarrassed and he said to Bode, “shey emi on gbo mo baun? Emi ni ongbo bi aja mo baun? Ma gbo lo” which translates as “am I the one you are barking at like that? Am I the one you are barking at like a dog? Keep barking.”
Bode as Transport Minister, 1952.
It was alleged that Bode Thomas got home and started barking like a dog. He barked and barked throughout the night till he died the following day – November 23 1953. There were rumours that the Alaafin had Bode Thomas poisoned. He was survived by his wife, Lucretia Shobola Odunsi and children. Among his children are Abimbola, Eniola and Dapo.
Bode has a street named after him in Lagos. He served as a colonial minister of the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria and privy counsellor of the historic Oyo clan of Yorubaland. He was a brilliant and successful man whose pride, they said, led to his fall.
Coca-Cola is likely to be sold everywhere from South Africa to Ghana. This well-known red-and-white color scheme makes it easy to see what you’re getting in any area. But when you get back home and go to the corner store, you might notice that some of the Coke bottles look a little different. What do those yellow cases hide? In other words, they had never been there before. But those strange containers aren’t a mistake; they’re trying to say something to customers. Only people who know what’s going on will get the real message…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
Coke bottles now have colored tops, so you might be wondering what makes these yellow ones stand out. Most drink packaging shows what flavor the drink is, like a beige cover for a vanilla drink. But the bright yellow ones are different. Also, it’s not always possible to get these storage units. You’ll only have the chance to do this within a certain amount of time. Yellow book covers are a sign of spring, and you can find them in stores now. Look out for each other, or you might end up staring each other in the face.
But the yellow lids on the containers are a strange thing to happen. They are limited, just like the colorful jars. If you compare this recipe to the one used to make regular Coca-Cola, you’ll see that the ingredients are just a little bit different. High-fructose corn syrup is not in Coca-Cola that comes in the bright yellow bottles, but it is in regular Coca-Cola. These drinks use sucrose, a type of sugar that can be found in beet sugar and natural sweeteners. When you read it on paper, that may seem a bit random. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Why change one small part when the rest is fine? It was made clear. This change was made to help people who celebrate Passover. Corn syrup is forbidden during the Jewish holiday, just like many other foods. But sucrose isn’t against the rules for Passover, so people who follow the rules can still drink a Coke with a yellow lid.
The clamor for democracy heightened after President Ibrahim Babangida annulled the June 12 1993 presidential election which proclaimed M.K.O Abiola as the winner.
Babangida annulled the election on the grounds of “electoral irregularities”. Before he stepped down from power on the 26th of August, 1993, he set up an interim government that would oversee the transition of power to a democratically elected government…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
The Earnest Shonekan-led Interim National Government had no plan whatsoever to cede power to Abiola, and this earned it opposition from Abiola and his loyalists.
During its short stay, the Interim National Government witnessed many pro-democracy protests in the country one of which was the hijacking of Nigerian Airways Airbus A310 by four Nigerian teenagers.
The four plane hijackers
How It Happened
On the 25th of October, 1993, a domestic Nigerian Airways airbus scheduled to fly from Lagos to Abuja was hijacked by four Nigerian teenagers who claimed to be acting for the Movement for the Advancement of Democracy (MAD). The teenagers – Richard Ogunderu, Benneth Oluwadaisi, Kabir Adenuga and Kenny Rasaq-Lawal cleverly smuggled toy guns into the plane and began operation mid-flight.
OldNaija gathered that there were 159 people on the hijacked Airbus 310. As soon as the plane reached about 30,000 feet above sea level, the boys sprang into action. They gained access to the cockpit and one of them announced,
“Ladies and gentlemen, this plane has been taken over by the Movement for the Advancement of Democracy, remain calm, we will not harm you. You will be told where the plane will land you.”
Their initial plan was to divert the Lagos-Abuja flight to Frankfurt in Germany but decided to land in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic after the pilots insisted there wasn’t enough fuel to reach Frankfurt. The plane had sought to land in Ndjamena, Chad, for refueling but was denied permission and diverted to Niamey.
In 2009, Richard Ogunderu, one of the four hijackers, recounted his role in the incident; he recalled that “the air hostesses were almost stone-dead, gripped by fear. We wanted change. Our action confirmed that when a system is inhumane, it could produce the extreme in all of us.” READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
He added, “I walked into the cockpit and seized the process, and then the others followed me. Two of us stayed back to intimidate the passengers. We took over the plane and asked the pilot to head for another country.”
The young hijackers stated the need to restore democracy and actualize the annulled June 12 election as the reasons for the hijack. Among other things they demanded were press freedom in Nigeria, the trial of all those who collaborated with the military regime, and the dissolution of the present interim government which they described as “illegal”.
During the operation, they separated men from women and government officials from ordinary citizens. On getting to Niger Republic, they freed 34 hostages. Those freed included Vice President Rong Yiren of China, said Souley Abdouleye, Niger’s transportation minister in 1993. The Interior Ministry said the people held included Nigerian Government officials and six crew members.
OldNaija gathered that the hijackers gave the Nigerian government a 72 hours ultimatum to meet their demands or else, they would blow up the plane with the hostages. Local and international media were amazed that such an incident could happen in Nigeria, considered an aviation safe haven.
The Rescue
The four teenagers had control of the plane for three days until the military stormed the premises. On the 28th of October, 1993, after Nigerian authorities gave the order to storm the aircraft, the hostages were rescued. The rescue operation left one dead (a member of the crew) and five injured, including one of the four captured hijackers, Richard Ogunderu. With their arms cramped on their backs, they were handcuffed and taken to prison.
Richard and a colleague inside Niamey prison
Lawal, one of the four hijackers said they were taken to a prison in a community with day temperature in the range of 55 degree centigrade. “We were poorly fed. We could neither speak Hausa nor French and nobody spoke English to us.”
The hijackers spent nine years and four months in Niamey prison without family contact whatsoever. They were later released in 2002.
