Poison ivy can be removed from your yard and treated on your skin with several effective methods. If you are dealing with the plant itself, you have the following options:
- Manual Removal: Wear protective clothing and gloves. Pull the poison ivy out of the ground, ensuring you remove the roots as well. Continue pulling any new growth as it appears, since the roots can be persistent.[1]
- Boiling Water: Pour boiling water directly onto the poison ivy plant roots. Multiple applications are often needed for full effectiveness.[1]
- Smothering: Cover the affected area with a tarp to block sunlight and air, essentially suffocating the plants. Leave the tarp in place for at least a week.[1]
- DIY Weed Killer: Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon each of dish soap and vinegar. Spray this mixture directly onto the poison ivy.[1]
- Herbicides: Use a product containing glyphosate or triclopyr, or an herbicide formulated specifically for poison ivy. Apply when the foliage is fully expanded and repeat as necessary.[1][7]
After eliminating visible poison ivy, ensure all roots are removed or killed to prevent regrowth, as poison ivy roots can spread wide but are usually less than a foot deep.[1]
For treating a poison ivy rash on the skin, steps include:
- Immediate Washing: Wash exposed skin and under fingernails with plain soap and lukewarm water as soon as possible after contact. Also wash clothing and tools to remove lingering oils.[4][8]
- Cool Compresses: Apply cool, wet compresses to the rash for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day to help relieve itching.[4][5][8]
- Oatmeal or Baking Soda Baths: Soak in cool water with colloidal oatmeal or a half-cup of baking soda to soothe irritation.[5][8]
- Calamine Lotion: Apply as needed to dry out the rash and relieve itching.[5][8]
- Other Remedies: Menthol cream, aloe vera, witch hazel, and diluted apple cider vinegar may help reduce swelling and itching.[2]
- Steroid Creams: For severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a strong topical corticosteroid.[8]
Be aware that antihistamines may help you sleep if the itching is intense at night, but they won’t directly relieve the itch.[8]
References
- [1] How to Safely Remove Poison Ivy – The Spruce
- [2] Poison Ivy Rash: Pictures, Symptoms, and Treatment – Healthline
- [4] Poison ivy: Home remedies and how to recognize it – Medical News Today
- [5] Poison ivy rash – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
- [7] Controlling Poison Ivy in the Landscape | UGA Cooperative Extension
- [8] Treatments for Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac – WebMD
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