poison ivy itch cream

Common OTC active ingredients include hydrocortisone (often 1%), topical diphenhydramine (typically a 2% topical analgesic), zinc acetate (about 0.1% as a skin protectant), and calamine (skin protectant).

Hydrocortisone relieves itching and inflammation associated with rashes like poison ivy. Topical diphenhydramine acts as a topical analgesic that blocks histamine to reduce minor pain and itching and is also described as helping to dry oozing in some formulations.

Directions vary by product. At least one topical analgesic advises applying to the affected area no more than three to four times daily; other products include usage directions on their labels but don’t list a specific application frequency in the available details. Always follow the package instructions for the product you use.

Common sizes include small travel tubes (for example, 0.7 oz and 1 oz), standard tubes around 2 ounces, and larger bottles or lotions such as 3.5 fl oz and 6 fl oz.

Labels commonly include keep-out-of-reach-of-children warnings and other usage precautions. One formulation specifically advises not to use if pregnant or nursing, and packaging typically highlights following usage directions and lists active-ingredient warnings.

Some formulations are explicitly labeled for sensitive skin and are fragrance-free, dye-free, paraben-free, or hypoallergenic. For example, the available details include a cream marketed as hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and dye-free and an ointment labeled fragrance-free and paraben-free.

Calamine lotion and skin protectants such as zinc acetate are described as drying oozing; some topical diphenhydramine formulations are also described as helping to dry the oozing and weeping of poison ivy rashes.