Poison Ivy Blisters
Poison ivy blisters are one of the worst parts of getting a rash from poison ivy, almost as bad as the itching.
When you get the oil from the poison ivy plant on your skin and it is not immediately washed off with warm water, it causes skin irritation that becomes worse the longer your skin is exposed to the oil. After twenty four to forty eight hours, your skin develops a painful rash with small fluid filled blisters which itch, swell, and cause pain. The best way to eliminate the blisters is to dry them out using warm air, hot water, other home remedies, creams from the local store, or prescription medications and creams from your doctor, depending on the severity of the rash and associated symptoms.
Poison ivy blisters should never be popped to let the fluid out, even though you want the rash to dry so the damaged skin will fall off. If you pop the blisters the skin barrier is compromised, and bacteria can enter the rash and cause a secondary infection which may require antibiotics to clear up, and can leave scars from skin damage. It is better to use other methods to draw out excess fluid in the area. Hot showers, as hot as you can stand the water without burning your unaffected skin, will help dry out the area while stopping the incredible itching. Using warm air from a blow dryer or heater can also dry out the skin and blisters, helping the rash heal quicker with less itching.
Poison ivy blisters can be very unsightly, but you should not cover them because the air circulation will help the rash dry out and heal faster. Baking soda and water made into a paste can be applied, then let it dry before rinsing off with warm water, but this can create a mess so this home remedy is best used when you don't have to go anywhere outside your home for a while. Oatmeal can be used in the same way, or it can be added to water and soaked in for more effective and long term relief.