Get Poison Ivy Relief, Naturally

If you're planning to spend plenty of time outdoors this summer, it's crucial to protect yourself against poison ivy (a toxic plant found in most parts of the United States). Poison ivy secretes urushiol, an oily resin that can trigger an allergic reaction and cause a red, itchy rash when it touches your skin. While a poison ivy reaction probably won't endanger your health, the rash can linger for weeks and leave you scratching up a storm.

There are three ways to contract a poison ivy rash: direct contact with the plant, indirect contact (i.e., touching pet's fur, clothing, or any other item tainted with urushiol), and airborne contact (i.e., inhaling the smoke of burning poison ivy plants, which can injure your lungs, nasal passages, throat, and eyes). Although some severe cases of poison ivy reaction can require medical attention, most rashes can be treated with natural remedies like aloe vera, witch hazel, and oatmeal-infused baths.