A billionth of a gram of urishiol, the toxic oil from poison ivy, on your skin, is all it takes to develop the blistery, itchy rash associated with exposure to poison ivy. Hot, dry conditions not only stimulates plant growth but may even increase the potency of the allergic oil.

The most common question I get asked by my patients is whether the rash is contagious. It is not – you can only get poison ivy by touching the oil from the plant which is located on the leaves, stem, roots and fruit of the plant. This oil is easily released by brushing up against the plant and even rain fall can bruise the plant enough to release the oil. If the oil gets on clothing, pets, tools etc, it can be easily transferred to the unsuspecting. This is the only way poison ivy is spread.

Once in contact with the plant oil, washing the affected area with warm soapy water can lessen the severity of the exposure. Ten minutes after exposure, 50% of the oil can be removed from the skin with washing. This number falls to 10% after the oil has been on the skin for 30 minutes.

Since the oil residue can remain on objects for a year or so, be sure to wash objects (including pets!) that have come in contact with the plant.

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