How to Use Oatmeal for Poison Oak

How to Use Oatmeal for Poison OakPoison ivy or poison sumac rashes are very terrible and embarrassing to have. Almost of half of the US population suffer with it at least once in their lifetime.

The main reason behind the terrible rash is urushiol which is oil present in poison oak leaves. When a person gets in contact with the leaves of poison oak then he develops a poison oak rash.

The symptoms of developing a poison oak rash will develop after 2 days of exposure to the plant. The severity of rash depends on the exposure and time spent with the plant or exposed items to the plant.

Even the smoke of a burning poison oak can cause an allergic rash. It is very dangerous to inhale the smoke of poison oak.

Swelling, itching, burning sensation and blisters are some of the symptoms of the poison oak rash. The rashes are spread vigorously in the initial days and if you scratch.

Don’t leave the rash untreated as it can lead to some severe infections.

You can try many over the counter solutions but we recommend to use some natural DIY remedies to deal with the mild rashes of poison oak.

Oatmeal, baking soda or banana peel are some of the ingredients you can try to treat poison oak. In this article, we will discuss regarding oatmeal for poison oak.

Is Oatmeal Good For Poison Oak?

  • Oatmeal contains aventhramides and phenols which have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • It treats the itchiness and discomfort caused by the poison oak rash.
  • It contains avenacins which have antifungal properties.
  • Saponins present in oatmeal act as a natural cleanser which absorbs the oil, dirt, and odor.
  • It helps in balancing the pH levels of the skin.

How to Use Oatmeal for Poison Oak?

There are many ways to using oatmeal for treating poison oak. You have to choose one among them and try it regularly. This helps in get rid of the rash completely.

1) Oatmeal Bath

Soaking in an oatmeal bath is an old folk remedy for poison ivy rash. This process provides relief from the itching and irritation caused by poison oak.

  • Blend 1 cup of oatmeal into a fine powder.
  • Pour the powder into a cheesecloth or nylon stocking.
  • Tie the cloth and tie it around the faucet of your bathtub so that it is suspended under the running water.
  • Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water.
  • Soak in it for at least 30 minutes and bath normally.
  • Repeat the process daily.
  • Alternatively, you can apply the cheesecloth filled with oatmeal on the blisters directly after soaking. This can provide more relief from the irritation.

2) Oatmeal Application

Direct application of oatmeal mask helps to get relief from the blisters and irritation caused by poison oak.

  • Cook 1 cup of oatmeal with 2 cups of water.
  • Let it cool down completely.
  • Apply oatmeal on the rashes.
  • Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process 2 times daily.

3) Oatmeal with Baking Soda

The baking soda draws out the toxins from the blisters. Apart from that, it balances the pH levels of the skin.

  • Cook a small amount of oatmeal and let it cool down.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda into it and stir well.
  • Apply the mixture to the affected areas.
  • Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process 2 times a day.

4) Oatmeal with Salt

This process only helps in curing the rashes but also helps in get rid of the infection from the toxic weeds.

  • Add ground oatmeal and salt to warm water.
  • Mix well to make a thick paste.
  • Apply this mixture on your poison oak rashes.
  • Leave the application for about 30 minutes.
  • Rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process 2 times a day.

5) Oatmeal with Milk and Honey

  • Combine 1 cup oatmeal powder, 1 whole milk and 1/4 cup of manuka honey.
  • Mix well and apply the mixture on the affected areas.
  • Leave the application for at least 20 minutes.
  • Rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process 2 – 3 times a day.
  • Alternatively, you can add the mixture into the bathtub filled with lukewarm water and soak in it for 30 minutes and bath normally.

Tips and Precautions:

  • Even after using the remedies you are not getting results then try other ingredients.
  • Never ever pop or prick the blisters can the liquid oozing out of it can spread the infection.
  • Whenever you get in contact with poison oak, remove the clothes and other things as soon as possible. Wash them in hot water.
  • Never scratch or scrub the blisters. Touching blisters can also spread the infection.
  • If you are experiencing shortness of breath, fever, rashes on genitals, mouth or eye and bleeding, consult a doctor immediately.
  • If you have inhaled the smoke of poison oak then contact a physician for immediate medical help.
  • It is recommended to learn how to identify the poison oak plants and stay away from it.
  • Keep your pets away from the plants as if urushiol gets stuck in their fur and when you touch it, you can develop the rashes.
  • Never burn poison oak plants as its smoke is too dangerous if inhaled.
  • Always wear protective clothing while removing poison oak plants.
  • If none of the above-mentioned methods work, consult a doctor right away.

Have you tried using oatmeal to treat poison oak? Please share your experience and suggestions in the comments section below.

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