Essential Oils to Soothe and Treat Poison Ivy Rashes

Using Essential Oils to Soothe and Treat Poison Ivy Rashes

Poison ivy rashes can be incredibly uncomfortable and painful. The blistery, red, itchy skin can seem unrelenting no matter what over-the-counter remedies you try. However, using essential oils may help provide soothing relief while also working to heal the rash.

How Essential Oils Work Against Poison Ivy

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that maintain the natural scent, flavors, and beneficial properties of the source botanical. Various oils have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihistamine effects based on their unique chemical makeup.

When applied topically, essential oils are absorbed into the skin and interact with receptors and biomechanisms that moderate allergic responses and skin irritation. This makes them potent home remedies for poison ivy and similar skin reactions.

Best Essential Oils to Treat Poison Ivy Rashes

Among the over 90 types of essential oils, several stand out as especially helpful for relieving poison ivy symptoms and speeding healing of the rash:

• Tea tree oil
• Lavender oil
• Peppermint oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Lemongrass oil
• Thyme oil
• Geranium oil
• Helichrysum oil

Soothing Anti-inflammatory Effects

Lavender, geranium, helichrysum and lemongrass essential oils have powerful anti-inflammatory compounds. Applying these oils helps decrease swelling, redness, and heat emanating from the poison ivy rash.

Calms Incessant Itching

The cooling sensations of peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass and tea tree oils help override signals to itch flaring skin. This gives welcome relief from the maddening impulse to scratch the rash.

Kills Bacteria from Scratched Skin

If blisters open or skin splits from excessive scratching, thyme, oregano, lavender and tea tree oils have anti-microbial properties to kill infection-causing bacteria or viruses to prevent additional complications.

Quickens Healing Time

Helichrysum and lemongrass oils boost collagen production and stimulate skin cell regeneration. Using these oils helps heal damage caused by poison ivy more quickly so symptoms resolve faster.

Different Methods to Use Essential Oils for Poison Ivy

One benefit of essential oils for poison ivy rashes is flexibility in application methods. Choose the technique that works best for the location of your rash and level of symptoms.

Direct Skin Application Oils to Soothe Rashes

Apply very diluted oils directly where itching or blistering occurs. Good oil options for topical use include lavender, helichrysum, lemongrass and tea tree. Mix just 2-3 drops of oil with 1 teaspoon carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil before gently massaging into the affected area 2-4 times per day.

Add to Cool Baths for Relief from Widespread Reaction

For large area rashes, add 8-10 drops total of preferred essential oils into a lukewarm oatmeal bath then soak for 15-20 minutes allowing oils to absorb into skin. Rinse with cool water afterward. Calming bath oils include lavender, peppermint and geranium.

Apply Oil Soaked Compresses to Weeping Blisters

Soak a soft clean cloth in cool water mixed with several drops of chosen antiseptic essential oils like tea tree, thyme or oregano. Apply compresses to open blisters for 5 minutes several times a day to manage drainage, soothe and protect against infection.

Create Healing Salve for Severely Inflamed Areas

For concentrated treatment of intensely inflamed poison ivy patches, mix 2 drops each antibacterial and tissue regenerating oils with 1⁄2 teaspoon carrier salve like beeswax or Shea butter. Apply healing salve to the most afflicted areas up to 3 times daily.

Inhale Oil Vapors to Relax and Promote Sleep

Poison ivy reactions can be mentally taxing from nonstop itching and discomfort. Place a couple drops each of lavender, lemongrass or peppermint oil onto a tissue inside a pillowcase. Inhale deeply as you fall asleep so vapors further calm the body helping you rest more soundly.

Massage Oil Blends Directly Over Lymph Nodes

Use light touch to massage diluted essential oils over lymph node areas near your elbows, knees, neck, groin and underarms. The gentle manual stimulation helps boost circulation and drainage activity of the lymphatic system to speed processing of allergens and waste removal.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils for Poison Ivy

While using essential oils can provide relief for poison ivy reactions, take care using oils if you have other medical conditions or sensitivities. Additionally never ingest oils which may be toxic.

Perform Patch Test First

Always do a patch test by applying diluted essential oil to a small area of healthy skin first to check for any reaction before broader application to poison ivy patches. Discontinue use of any oil causing increased redness or itching.

Avoid Using Oils Neat on Skin

Essential plant oils are highly concentrated substances so must be diluted appropriately before applying to skin, especially compromised skin. Use a carrier oil or medium to buffer oil potency to around 2-5% solution.

Keep Oils Away from Eyes and Sensitive Areas

Take added care to avoid contacting sensitive tissue like eyes, nostrils and mouth areas. Rinse immediately with milk or vegetable oil if pure essential oils inadvertently splash the eyes then flush with water.

Consider Drug Interactions

The chemical components of essential oils can interact with certain prescription medications provoking unintended effects. Consult your doctor before using essential oils if you take any maintenance medications or are currently pregnant.

While following proper precautions, take advantage of essential oils’ anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin healing abilities to find relief from miserable poison ivy itching and blistering. Their soothing powers calm the body inside and out promoting healing so you can get back to enjoying life!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.