Once spring arrives, tiny green shoots start poking up in woodlands and back yards all over America. Some of them are delightful, but others may be less than welcome. Poison ivy and poison oak both start to show up around this time. It makes a lot of sense to learn to recognize them so they can be avoided. That could save you from ending up with a rash from poison oak or poison ivy.
Gardener Finds Home Remedy to Soothe Rash from Poison Oak:
Q. I am very allergic to both poison ivy and poison oak. After three days of a painful, burning itch on my wrist from an encounter with a dried poison oak vine last Thursday, I read about using banana peel. I applied banana peel early this morning and now at 5:30 pm, my wrist is still cool, comfortable and itch free!
The one thing I did before using the banana peel was to wash my wrist with warm salt water and pat it dry with a paper towel. I have contacted my gardening friends to let them know about the wonderful banana peel remedy for a rash from poison oak.
No Science Supports This Remedy:
A. We haven’t been able to find any scientific research to support using banana peel on a rash from poison oak or poison ivy. However, we have heard from other readers that it can be helpful.
There are also recommendations online to use cold watermelon rind or banana peel to cool and soothe the rash. Perhaps some day we’ll learn why this treatment might help some people.
Experts Agree on the Value of Washing:
If you are aware that you have been in contact with one of these plants, wash the skin immediately. That will help remove the urushiol, an oil the plant makes that causes contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Soap and water is best, but alcohol wipes will do in a pinch if you are out in the woods away from a shower. A cleansing product such as Zanfel or Tecnu may be particularly useful. Don’t forget that shoes and clothing may carry the irritating oil and should be treated with utmost caution until they can be washed or decontaminated.
What About Jewelweed?
People who prefer natural medicine often look for jewelweed, a type of wild impatiens. We used to be skeptical about this approach, but we recently found research supporting it (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, March, 2015). Here again, plant identification is crucial.
Is Mango a Problem?
Some people who are sensitive to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac develop a nasty rash when exposed to mango fruit peel or juice (Contact Dermatitis, Jan., 2005). We don’t know if there is any way to predict this, but it is worth keeping in mind. Those who do develop a mango rash may need to avoid it just as they avoid the poison three.
