What can I do about itching caused by poison ivy?

What can I do about itching caused by poison ivy?

Daniel Behroozan (Dermatologist) gives expert video advice on: What can I do about itching caused by poison ivy?

Itching that is caused by poison ivy is an allergic reaction to that poison ivy. It is your body responding in an allergic way, kind of like an allergic reaction to peanuts or latex gloves. The way to calm that down is to calm the immune system down. Topically, you can put an anti-itch cream such as a cortisone. Hydrocortisone is available over-the-counter. Your dermatologist can write prescriptions for much more potent cortisone creams that are actually much more effective. That is usually the main way to get rid of it. Oftentimes, patients will try Benadryl, Claritin, or another antihistamine, but the antihistamine, orally, will help the sensation of the itch, but it usually will not help the rash go away. The rash usually needs a topical cortisone, and if that doesn't work, or if the rash is extensive, often, oral cortisone in pill form is prescribed to the patient.