Unless severe, pokeweed rash can usually be treated at home. Treat it as you would poison oak by washing the skin thoroughly as soon as possible after exposure. Avoid scratching and apply calamine lotion to help dry and heal the injured skin. An over-the-counter (OTC) 1% hydrocortisone cream and nonsteroidal painkiller like Advil (ibuprofen) can help reduce pain and inflammation. Avoid topical antihistamines and benzocaine anesthetic creams, which may cause an allergic rash on top of the pokeweed rash.