Wash Immediately with Jewelweed Soap
If you’ve come into contact—or think you might have—wash the exposed area as soon as possible. I recommend jewelweed soap, which contains phytochemicals that naturally counteract the skin-irritating oils of poison ivy and oak. I found mine at Agway, but it’s also easy to make or order online.
If jewelweed soap isn’t available, Technu Skin Cleanser (found in most pharmacies) is an effective backup. It removes urushiol oil (the irritant in poison ivy) and helps prevent the rash from spreading.
Soothe the Itch
Instead of calamine lotion, I use Technu Anti-Itch Spray (safe for ages 2+). It’s a blend of herbal and homeopathic ingredients and works well to calm the skin without over-drying it.
Use Rhus Toxicodendron 30C
This is the key. Rhus toxicodendron 30C is a homeopathic remedy that targets poison ivy symptoms internally. I use it twice a day for about 3 days, and in my experience, it dramatically shortens the lifespan of the rash.
Decontaminate Everything
Don’t forget to wash:
Clothes
Shoes
Garden gloves and tools
Pet fur (if they’ve been outdoors)
Poison ivy oil can stay active on surfaces for days, so this step is crucial to preventing reinfection.
