Health Tip: Ease the Itch of Poison Ivy

Poison ivy rash usually isn't dangerous, but it sure is uncomfortable.

The American Academy of Dermatology offers these suggestions to help ease the itch:

• Take a short, lukewarm oatmeal bath in a solution bought at the drug store.
• Take a lukewarm bath and add 1 cup of baking soda to the bath water.
• Take a short, cool shower.
• Apply calamine lotion to the rash.
• Apply a cool compress (wash cloth dampened with cold water) to the itchy skin.
• Don't use a topical antihistamine, which could worsen the rash. But do take an oral antihistamine.