To treat poison ivy, the following approaches are effective:

• Wash the skin immediately after exposure with lukewarm soapy water to remove the plant oil (urushiol).
• Remove and wash clothing or items that may have come into contact with poison ivy.
• Use cool or tepid water for bathing and apply cold compresses to the affected areas to reduce itching and inflammation.
• Apply over-the-counter topical treatments such as hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or creams with menthol to relieve itching.
• Baking soda paste or oatmeal baths can soothe irritation and help dry the rash.
• Oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may help with itching and improve sleep.
• Avoid scratching to prevent infection; keep fingernails short.
• For severe or widespread rashes, a doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids like prednisone or antibiotics if infection develops.

Seek immediate medical help if the rash affects the eyes, mouth, genitals, or causes breathing difficulty, swelling of the face, or widespread severe symptoms. These treatments typically help the rash improve in two to three weeks, with most cases manageable at home.