In central and eastern regions of USA a climbing tree by the name poison oak grows in abundance. It contains a sap which has yellowish or transparent colored oil named Urshiol. This oil is responsible for the inflammation as most people are allergenic to it. You can get the rashes, swellings, blisters, itchy pustules if you come in direct contact or through objects or animals that have come in contact with the oil. It takes about 24-48 hours for the rashes and the symptoms to appear and cause discomfort. In order to find cure and comfort from the pain and irritation, there are many home remedies for poison oak.
You have to clean the area first with alcohol and then with water and soap. Treatment begins after this. You can mix some salt and warm water, and then apply it on the rashes. One of the effective home remedies for poison oak is to make a paste by adding a little water to turmeric powder, and then apply this on the inflammation. Rinse the area after half an hour. Take the peel of a fresh ripe banana and rub the inside of the peel on the rash. You have to repeat this every one hour. On regular application, the rash can reduce within 10-12 hours.
Aloe vera is known for its healing abilities; you can either rub the pulp on the rash by cutting the leaf lengthwise or apply the gel available in the market. Tea tree oil is among the most useful home remedies for poison oak. The oil has to be applied regularly on the rash to get good results. Jewel weed leaves can be applied on the rashes as it can reduce the rashes within an hour. Among the other available home remedies for poison oak is watermelon, which is a rich source of vitamin C. You have to rub the inside or the pulp on the rash as it soothes and cures the rash.
Make a paste with Epsom salt and water and apply the paste on the effected area as the complications of the poison can be reduced by the salt. Bioflavonoid and vitamin C helps in preventing the rash from spreading and in curing the rash. One of the effective home remedies for poison oak is to make a mixture with equal quantities of salt, vinegar and buttermilk and then apply it on the rash. Initially it will be very painful but then there will be a soothing effect. You can apply a paste of water and baking soda to cure the pain. White or apple cider vinegar can be applied on the rash. Honey is an effective solution for the rash.
You have to soak and apply 3 cups of oats in water. This helps in reducing the irritation. One of the helpful home remedies for poison oak is to make a mixture of three-fourth cup of warm water and one-fourth cup of bleach and apply it with the help of a wash cloth. Within 2-3 days the poison can be killed. Calamine is very helpful too. Immunity can be boosted by taking zinc, calcium and beta-carotene. This repairs the damaged tissues too. It is very important to bathe and wash with warm water as it disperses the oil.
