Managing the Itch of a
Poison Oak Rash
By
Christina Grant, Ph.D.
I
didn’t know what poison oak looked like
before I lived on the central coast, nor was I aware of the misery it
could inflict. My realtor pointed out the three distinct leaves and said
simply, “Don’t touch it.” A year later after a series of small rashes on
my wrists and ankles (presumably from the cats) I recognized that the
widespread “bushes” on my hillside, which were turning a beautiful red
color, were actually poison oak.
1.
Once
you know you’ve been exposed, or even if you have an inkling you might
have been exposed, immediately put all of your clothes (and shoes) in
the washer, not in your hamper or on the floor. Walk directly to the
shower.
2.
Take
a shower using Dr. Bronner’s liquid peppermint soap - which lately you
can buy at Trader Joe’s. Continue using this soap while the rash is
present. Peppermint is anti-inflammatory and relieves itchy skin.
3.
Wear
loose clothing that doesn’t rub against the rash area. Anything touching
the rash will cause it to itch.
4.
When
tempted to touch the rash, instead apply essential oils immediately. The
most effective essential oils for me were lemongrass, peppermint, and
lavender with either Purification or RC (both are blends made by Young
Living). Purification contains an effective blend of citronella,
lemongrass, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, and myrtle essential oils.
RC contains a blend of eucalyptus, myrtle, marjoram, pine, lavender,
cypress, spruce, and peppermint essential oils. These stopped the
itching and inflammation. Someone had said that for poison oak the Young
Living lavender is superior to others, and I tend to agree.
5.
If
possible, take a nightly hot bath to which you add 1-2 cups Epsom salts,
1 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup baking soda. This will stop the
itch, make it at least seem like you are healing, and help you sleep
soundly.
6.
Avoid sugar and alcohol. For a couple of days I was feeling really good,
the itching was under control, and I thought I was out of the woods.
Then I had a piece of cake at a birthday party and immediately every
portion of the rash from head to toe flared up. It took two days to get
it to calm down again. I also had this experience after a glass of wine,
although it wasn’t as intense as with the cake. My best days were when I
was treating myself as if I had a cold or flu - eating really well, no
sugar, only supportive healing foods.
7.
Drink a lot of water with optional juice from a fresh lemon. This helps
cleanse the body.
8.
Finally, if you find yourself with an all-over rash coinciding with
muscle spasms like I did, go ahead and use the mantra I used to keep my
sanity, “This too shall pass.”
