Homeopathic remedy for poison oak

Poison Ivy Skin Rash

Rashes are often caused by contact with an irritating substance in our environment, like chemicals in hot tubs or swimming pools, pollutants in the air and water, ingredients in cosmetics and cleaning products, oil from poison oak or ivy plants, and etc. Some rashes may have viral causes such as rubella or measles, while others appear for no apparent reason.

Homeopathic remedies can be useful in many cases, to soothe the inflammation, discomfort and itching. Homeopathic remedies are safe to use and have no side effects, but make sure to consult your doctor or homeopathic expert for instruction of dosage and way of use.

Dry skin with a red or brow rash suggests a need for Sepia. The person may be chilly and better from keeping warm.

Belladonna is useful remedy for conditions with sudden onset that are throbbing hot and bright red. Rash may be accompanied by fever.

Apis is recommended remedy in cases when a rash is the result of an allergic reaction or if a rash is very swollen with stinging or burning pain. Swelling and discomfort are relieved by cold applications.

Rhus Toxicodendron is often used in cases of blistering rash that itches and burns, and is improved by applying heat.

Acute allergic contact dermatitis owing to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac affects up to 50 million Americans each year and is the most common allergic reaction in the U.S. Protective measures e.g. clothing, barrier creams, soaps, and solvents are often unsuccessful. The prophylactic oral administration of over-the-counter homeopathic poison ivy (HPI) to prevent allergic contact dermatitis from poison ivy is widely practiced among alternative medicine practitioners. Nevertheless, this clinical tip is not commonly known by conventional dermatologists.

HPI is manufactured by preparing an alcohol extract from poison ivy leaves, which is then serially diluted and shaken to the desired strength (e.g. 1 x 10-60). Homeopathic medicines are regulated by the FDA as drugs as specified by the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938. They are prepared according to the homeopathic pharmacopoeia of the United States using good manufacturing practices.
In 2003, Stein and Parsons published an open pilot study of HPI solution in the prevention of poison ivy dermatitis. They investigated 56 subjects ages 12 through 75. Subjects received compounded HPI 6X/12X solution (NuCara Pharmacy) as follows: 3 ml P.O. weekly for 3 weeks, then 3 ml P.O. monthly for 7 months. Twenty-seven (48%) patients had less severe or fewer episodes of poison ivy dermatitis. Twenty five (45%) patients experienced no episodes of poison ivy dermatitis. One of 56 subjects (2%) reported mild facial flushing.
For best results prophylactic treatment should begin one month prior to poison ivy exposure. It appears that the protective effect of HPI is lost about one month after discontinuation. Thus, protection does not appear to be permanent.

✓ Fact confirmed: Prevention of poison ivy dermatitis with oral homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron Robert Joseph Signore; January 2017

Graphites is remedy used when symptoms include rashes with eruptions that ooze. Itching is worse from warmth and at night.

Anacardium Orientale is remedy that is very helpful for rashes that come from poison oak, or other types of contact dermatitis. Swelling and fluid-filled blisters accompanied with itching rash may appear. Itching is worse from applying heat.

Bryonia is often used for dry and hot rash when discomfort may be worse from heat and touch.

Natrum muriaticum is remedy that is often helpful to people with chronic rashes at the edges of the scalp or in the bends of the elbows and knees, and the rash looks scaly and dry. Itching is often worse from physical exertion and the sun.

Urtica urens is recommended remedy in cases of eruptions of rash, with blotches that sting and burn intensely. Applying cold or water or scratching may make the symptoms worse.

Sulphur is used for cases of burning red, itchy and irritated rashes that are aggravated by heat. Clothes can cause a rash or make it worse.

Ledum palustre is remedy indicated for a swollen and puffy rash. Swelling and the itching are relieved by cold applications.