How Do You Treat Poison Ivy Rashes With Antihistamines?
The use of antihistamines has gained in popularity in recent years when treating poison ivy rashes. While topical creams may provide mixed results, oral antihistamines such as Benadryl and Chlor-trimeton can be effective in healing irritated skin and reducing the itch. Find out whether you have, in fact, come in contact with a poison ivy plant before you treat the rashes with an antihistamine. Three characteristics define a poison ivy plant–the almond-shaped leaves occur in clusters of three, the clusters grow out of alternating positions on the vine (not opposite each other) and there are no thorns anywhere on the plant. Choose an oral antihistamine to treat poison ivy rashes. The product should contain either chlorpheniramine maleate or diphenhydramine hydrochloride. These two ingredients are normally found in over-the-counter medications used to treat hay fever and allergy symptoms. They may also be used as a remedy for the common cold. Avoid using topical ointments that contain an
