Poison oak, poison sumac and poison ivy are weeds of the same family. They can be found in many areas throughout the US. If you are a native of United States of America, then you might be aware of the rash that can develop when a person gets in contact with these plants.
If you are allergic to one of these plants, you can be allergic to all of them. If you cut, touch, sit, drag, roll on, kick or disturb these poisonous plants you can develop a rash.
The main culprit behind these rashes is the oil urushiol that oozes from the leaves or stem of these plants. It takes a maximum of 1 or 2 days to develop rashes.
Small bumps, blisters, redness, and swelling are some of the symptoms of poison oak rash. The severity of the rash depends on the time spent with plants.
It is better to consult a doctor if you are experiencing the following
- If you have poison oak rash along with fever, shortness of breath and bleeding.
- If you have inhaled the smoke of burning poison oak.
- If you have developed rashes on genitals, eyes, throat or mouth.
If you have less to normal rashes, then you can trust simple home remedies to tackle the problem.
Today, let’s learn about how and why banana peel can help us in getting relief from the rashes developed by poison oak.
Can a Banana Peel Help to Treat the Poison Oak?
- Banana peel soothes the itching and irritation caused by poison oak rash.
- The minerals and potassium present in the inner side of the banana peel help in treating the rashes and blisters.
- It also helps in giving relief from the open blisters.
How to Use Banana Peel for Poison Oak?
There are different ways of using the banana peel for treating poison oak rash. All you have to do is to choose one among them and try it regularly. Once the rash disappears, you can discontinue the process.
1) Banana Peel
You don’t have to use the complete banana for the process. You only need a banana peel. The inside of the peel is only used for this process.
- Rub the inside of the peel on the rashes.
- Leave it to dry for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process once in few hours.
2) Banana Peel Compress
This process helps to get relief from the blisters, swelling, itching and irritation. Relief from the irritation stays at least 18 hours.
- Take a banana peel and place it over the rash.
- Secure it with a gauze or tape.
- Leave it on for 30 – 40 minutes.
- Repeat the process once in few hours.
3) Banana Peel Mask and Rubbing Alcohol
This process helps in drying out the blisters and provides immediate relief from the itching.
- Take a banana peel and scrape the inner layer of it.
- Now, rub the affected areas with rubbing alcohol.
- Rinse off with water thoroughly and pat dry.
- Apply the banana peel meat (inner scrapes) on the blisters and rashes.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process 2 – 3 times a day.
Tips and Precautions:
- Never pop out the liquid oozing from the blister as it can spread the infection.
- Avoid scratching and rubbing the poison oak rashes.
- Don’t try to cut or pull out a blister.
- Wash your clothes immediately, if they come in contact with the plants.
- Learn to identify the poison oak, poison sumac, and poison ivy plants. It helps to avoid contact with them.
- If poison oak plants are growing in your backyard, kill or remove them.
- Wear protective clothing while removing the plants.
- Never burn poison oak plants as its smoke is very dangerous. Unfortunately, if you have inhaled the smoke of burning poison oak, please contact a doctor for immediate help.
- You can apply a barrier cream to avoid poison oak rashes while camping.
Have your tried using banana peel to treat poison oak? Do you have any queries about the article? Please share your experience and suggestions in the comments section below.