Bleach may appear to be a quick fix to poison oak or ivy. However, bleach removes the top layer(s) of your skin. Using it can irritate your skin and in the process weaken it so that the rash may become worse. Your skin may then become more susceptible to getting the rash in the future.
How do you get rid of poison oak fast?
- Oatmeal baths.
- Application of cool wet compresses.
- Calamine lotion.
- Astringents containing aluminum acetate (Burow’s solution) and Domeboro may help to relieve the rash once the blisters begin leaking fluid.
- Steroid creams. Best if used during the first few days of symptoms.
What kills poison oak permanently?
The easiest way to kill mature poison oak is to spray it with an herbicide. Use a product that contains either glyphosate (RoundUp, etc.) or triclopyr (Garlon, Ortho Brush-B-Gon, etc.) for complete eradication. Both are broad-spectrum herbicides that will damage or kill non-targeted species as well.
