How to Get Rid of Poison Oak using Oatmeal

Poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac are poisonous plants that are found mostly in the United States, in which its contact will develop a rash on the skin. Most of the US population will develop this skin rash at least once in their lifetime.

The main culprit of this rash is urushiol, an irritating and oily sap released by the leaves and stems of these plants. The affected person can experience itchy blisters, small bumps or painful rashes on the exposed skin area within 12 – 48 hours. This will spread rapidly in the initial days.

Consult your doctor if you’re suffering from a headache, nausea, fever, difficulty in breathing, yellow discharge from the blisters, swollen lymph nodes, rashes on eyes, mouth or genitals or inhaled the smoke of a burning ivy for proper diagnose and treatment.

If you’re not having any of these symptoms, then you can opt for natural home remedies to treat poison oak. Here in this article, we are going to know all about oatmeal for getting rid of poison oak.

Can Oatmeal cure Poison Oak?

• Oatmeal contains certain chemicals called phenols and avenanthramide that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which help to heal the pain, itching and other discomforts associated with poison oak rashes.
• It has a saponins chemical which acts as a natural cleanser to absorb the oil, dirt, odor and other impurities to speed up the healing process.
• It balances the pH levels of the skin to get rid of itching and dry skin.

How to use Oatmeal for treating Poison Oak:

There are many ways of using oatmeal for treating poison oak allergy. Let’s get started.

Method – 1: (Oatmeal Bath)

Colloidal oatmeal works best in treating your problem, as it remains suspended in water and provides more benefits to the skin like it relieves itching, irritation, and dryness.

• Add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal (or ground oatmeal) in your bathtub filled with tepid water.
• Stir well and soak in this water for about 10 – 15 minutes.
• After that, rinse off your body with lukewarm water to get rid of the sticky feeling.
• Dry your skin using a soft towel and repeat the bath regularly.

Note:

• Or pour 1 cup of oatmeal powder in cheesecloth and tie it thoroughly. Tie this around the faucet of the bathtub and run lukewarm water. Soak in it for 30 minutes and then bath normally.
• For best results, add some Epsom salts or baking soda to this bath to get rid of irritation and itching (if you don’t have any open wounds).

Method – 2: (Oatmeal)

Direct application of oatmeal will help you to get rid of poison oak rashes and allergy.

• Cook 1 cup of oatmeal with enough water till it forms a thick paste.
• Apply it on the affected skin while it is lukewarm but not cold.
• The heat emitted from the oatmeal will cool and leave the skin dry and thus prevents itching and irritation.
• Let it sit for about 15 – 20 minutes and wash the area with water.
• Dry your skin gently and continue the same process for twice daily.

Note: Also, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda (draws out the toxins and relieves itching) to the oatmeal before application to speed up the healing process.

Method – 3: (Oatmeal with Salt)

This oatmeal paste with salt will help you to get rid of poison oak allergies and infections from toxic weeds.

• Mix 2 teaspoons of salt and enough of warm water in 3 cups of oatmeal.
• Stir well to make a smooth paste and apply this paste on the rashes as a pack.
• Rinse it off after 30 minutes with lukewarm water.
• Repeat the same for twice daily till you get rid of the rashes and infection.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Avoid picking, popping, scratching or scrubbing the blisters, as the liquid oozes out and spread the infection to other body parts.
2. Rinse yourself thoroughly with warm water after getting any contact with poison oak and also wash the clothes, shoes or other things to get rid of the infection.
3. Don’t burn poison oak plants, as it will spread the allergens into the air and also the inhaling the smoke will result in the problem.
4. Dilute some essential oils like lavender, tea tree oil, chamomile, cypress or geranium with water and use it as a first aid to apply it on the affected areas for 2 – 3 times daily.
5. Always wear long sleeve clothes and covered shoes while going out, especially in the wooden areas or camps.
6. Keep your pets away from these plants and also clean them regularly to avoid the poison oak contamination.

Try these oatmeal methods to treat poison oak. Do you know any other effective oatmeal methods for clearing poison oak rashes? Then share it with us in the below comments box.