Since I was a child, I can remember getting poison ivy rash really bad at times. Usually from doing yard work or playing in the woods with my brother, we would inevitably see the recognizable rash slowly appear. Last weekend it decided to strike once again! I was working in my yard, cutting down brush and some dead plants, not realizing it was laced with the unforgiving plant. Now I’m usually smart enough that anytime I do work in the yard, when I’m finished I immediately toss those clothes in the hamper and take a shower, rinsing off any of the poison ivy oils. But not last weekend! So much for multi-tasking. This is one of the worst cases of the itchy stuff I have ever had.

My doctor has me on some serious meds to dry up the poison ivy rash, but here are a few home remedies you can try if you have a breakout this spring and summer:

1) Cucumbers can help calm the rash. Either place a few slices on the affected area or you could even crush up the cucumber to make a paste, then apply it.

2) I’ve heard some say that Apple Cider Vinegar can help to kill the poison ivy oil. Soak a brown paper sack with the cider and then apply it to the poison ivy rash, allowing it to draw out the toxins.

3) Baking Soda supposedly can also work as the vinegar remedy. Mix up a paste with the baking soda, then spread it on the affected rash. 3 teaspoons of baking soda to 1 teaspoon of water. Also consider trying a baking soda bath for relief. 1 cup baking soda added into cool bath water.

4) Lemon juice apparently has certain compounds that can help the spread of poison ivy. If you come into contact with the plant, I’ve heard that if you spread lemon juice on the exposed area on your body immediately after contact with the poison ivy, it will help to prevent the oil from setting into your skin.

(Tips from Readers Digest. Here’s the article: http://www.rd.com/slideshows/poison-ivy-home-remedies/#slideshow=slide8 )