Poison Oak and Poison Ivy Dermatitis - Supplements

 
Poison Oak and Poison Ivy Dermatitis
If you develop an itchy, red rash after spending time outdoors you may have brushed against a poison ivy or poison oak plant. What should you do? According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Cleanse exposed skin

    Wash the affected area with dish soap as soon as possible to limit the reaction; wash clothing, pets, and anything else that comes in contact to prevent re-exposure

  • Apply plantain

    Reduce skin inflammation by covering the affected area with fresh crushed plantain leaves or using a 10% ointment

  • Steer clear next time

    Learn what poison ivy and its relatives look like so you can avoid future contact

Also indexed as:
  • poison ivy,
  • poison oak

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.


SupplementAmountWhy
Bloodroot
Refer to label instructions 1 star Blood root has been used historically to treat skin inflammations such as poison oak and poison ivy.
Calendula
Refer to label instructions 1 star Calendula has been used historically to treat skin inflammations such as poison oak and poison ivy.


1 star Calendula

A great many plants have been used historically to treat skin inflammations like poison oak and poison ivy dermatitis. Examples include calendula (Calendula officinalis), blood root (Sanguinaria canadensis), Virginia snakeroot (Aristolachia serpentaria), holy basil (Ocimum tenuifolium), and chickweed (Stellaria media). None of these remedies has been subjected to controlled clinical studies to determine if they are safe and effective for this use. Cooling essential oils, such as peppermint and menthol, have also been used topically to relieve burning pain and itch. Such oils should not be applied full-strength, but should rather be diluted (for example in lotion or gel) to avoid further skin irritation.


SupplementAmountWhy
Chickweed
Refer to label instructions 1 star Chickweed has been used historically to treat skin inflammations such as poison oak and poison ivy.


1 star Chickweed

A great many plants have been used historically to treat skin inflammations like poison oak and poison ivy dermatitis. Examples include calendula (Calendula officinalis), blood root (Sanguinaria canadensis), Virginia snakeroot (Aristolachia serpentaria), holy basil (Ocimum tenuifolium), and chickweed (Stellaria media). None of these remedies has been subjected to controlled clinical studies to determine if they are safe and effective for this use. Cooling essential oils, such as peppermint and menthol, have also been used topically to relieve burning pain and itch. Such oils should not be applied full-strength, but should rather be diluted (for example in lotion or gel) to avoid further skin irritation.


SupplementAmountWhy
Gumweed
Refer to label instructions 1 star Gumweed is a plant historically used to treat poison oak/ivy dermatitis.


1 star Gumweed

Gumweed (Grindelia spp.)is another plant popularly used to treat poison oak/ivy dermatitis. It has a long history of use, including by Native Americans, and in early-20th-century pharmaceutical preparations. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 There are case reports of gumweed’s efficacy for poison oak dermatitis, but no published, controlled clinical trials.5 Apply gumweed tincture directly to the rash. It may also be mixed into marigold (Calendula officinalis) cream and applied several times a day.


SupplementAmountWhy
Holy Basil
Refer to label instructions 1 star Holy basil has been used historically to treat skin inflammations such as poison oak and poison ivy.


1 star Holy Basil

A great many plants have been used historically to treat skin inflammations like poison oak and poison ivy dermatitis. Examples include calendula (Calendula officinalis), blood root (Sanguinaria canadensis), Virginia snakeroot (Aristolachia serpentaria), holy basil (Ocimum tenuifolium), and chickweed (Stellaria media). None of these remedies has been subjected to controlled clinical studies to determine if they are safe and effective for this use. Cooling essential oils, such as peppermint and menthol, have also been used topically to relieve burning pain and itch. Such oils should not be applied full-strength, but should rather be diluted (for example in lotion or gel) to avoid further skin irritation.


SupplementAmountWhy
Jewelweed
Refer to label instructions 1 star Jewelweed is the most popular herbal treatment for poison oak/poison ivy dermatitis. Rubbing jewelweed on the exposed area may prevent the rash by binding the resin.


1 star Jewelweed

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is the most popular herbal treatment for poison oak/poison ivy dermatitis.6 , 7 It is widely believed that rubbing jewelweed on the exposed area within 15 minutes of exposure may prevent the rash by binding the resin. Custom advises crushing a few of the succulent leaves and stems and rubbing them on affected skin, or crushing and soaking the leaves in water and then bathing the area with the leaf-soaked water. However, most scientific studies have found jewelweed to be ineffective in treating poison oak/ivy dermatitis.8 , 9 , 10 , 11 Nevertheless, the efficacy of the plant continues to be supported by numerous testimonials and anecdotal reports, and is recommended in several classic botanical reference guides.12 , 13 , 14 , 15


SupplementAmountWhy
Menthol
Refer to label instructions 1 star Cooling essential oils, such as menthol, have been used topically to relieve burning pain and itch.
Peppermint
Refer to label instructions 1 star Cooling essential oils, such as peppermint, have also been used topically to relieve burning pain and itch.


1 star Peppermint

A great many plants have been used historically to treat skin inflammations like poison oak and poison ivy dermatitis. Examples include calendula (Calendula officinalis), blood root (Sanguinaria canadensis), Virginia snakeroot (Aristolachia serpentaria), holy basil (Ocimum tenuifolium), and chickweed (Stellaria media). None of these remedies has been subjected to controlled clinical studies to determine if they are safe and effective for this use. Cooling essential oils, such as peppermint and menthol, have also been used topically to relieve burning pain and itch. Such oils should not be applied full-strength, but should rather be diluted (for example in lotion or gel) to avoid further skin irritation.


SupplementAmountWhy
Virginia Snakeroot
Refer to label instructions 1 star Virginia snakeroot has been used historically to treat skin inflammations such as poison oak and poison ivy.


1 star Virginia Snakeroot

A great many plants have been used historically to treat skin inflammations like poison oak and poison ivy dermatitis. Examples include calendula (Calendula officinalis), blood root (Sanguinaria canadensis), Virginia snakeroot (Aristolachia serpentaria), holy basil (Ocimum tenuifolium), and chickweed (Stellaria media). None of these remedies has been subjected to controlled clinical studies to determine if they are safe and effective for this use. Cooling essential oils, such as peppermint and menthol, have also been used topically to relieve burning pain and itch. Such oils should not be applied full-strength, but should rather be diluted (for example in lotion or gel) to avoid further skin irritation.


Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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