Contrary to popular belief, the rash cannot pass from person to person through the oozing of the blisters; it can only be spread by contact with the resin of the plant. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac contain an active oily ingredient known as urushiol. Very small amounts of the chemical can provoke a serious reaction in some people. According to The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of The National Institutes of Health, urushiol can be transferred from one object to another.

Yes you can. Most animals have a protective skin that is immune to the urushiol oil in poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. The urushiol oil can remain on the surface of your pet’s fur or skin and when a human hand touches the animal, the urushiol oil can transfer to you. See similar questions...

We have a close relative of poison-ivy, called poison-oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). If you are going to spend time in any wild places in southern California or northern Baja California (except in the deserts), it is very important that you learn to recognize this plant. It is a common component of the natural vegetation in coastal canyons, foothill chaparral, and forest systems throughout the region. See similar questions...

It all boils down to the skin’s reaction to a nasty little oil called urushiol—say “ooh-roo-she-all”. Urushiol is actually a toxic, resinous type substance that is found in all parts of the plants of poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. When urushiol gets on the skin it binds with the skin within 10-20 minutes. At that point the urushiol becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get off the skin with soap and water. See similar questions...

The best way to deal with Poison Ivy is to first properly identify it. In the spring Poison Ivy emerges as small red leaves. Soon it matures into a bright green leaf made up of 3 leaflets. It appears as a low shrub or climbing vine. In the spring and early summer you can try to control new poison ivy growth by spraying it with a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate. These can be found at your local garden center or hardware store. See similar questions...

Theoretically, desensitization or allergy shots to poison ivy can be accomplished; however, practically it cannot be done. It has been tried in the past, and the side effects have been too great to warrant widespread use. Thus, at the present time, there is no available desensitization program for poison ivy or poison oak. See similar questions...

According to the National Institutes of Health, the rash or oozing from blisters cannot be passed between persons, unless urushiol, an oily ingredient of the poison ivy plant that causes the rash, is still present on the skin of the affected individual. Urushiol is not present in the blister fluid. Urushiol may be present on clothing, tools, or pets and can remain active for up to a year. All exposed objects, including your skin should be thoroughly washed after any exposure. See similar questions...

Tecnu Extreme gets to the root of the problem by first working to remove the rash causing toxin urushiol from the skin. Even after the urushiol has attached itself to the skin, Tecnu Extreme can remove it. If a person removes the urushiol in time, the rash can actually be avoided. Simply squeeze a marble sized amount of Tecnu Extreme into the palm of your hand. Add a slight amount of water and gently rub Tecnu Extreme over skin that has been exposed the poison plants then rinse off with water. See similar questions...

The rash is caused by contact with an oil (urushiol) found in poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Urushiol is an allergen, so the rash is actually an allergic reaction to the oil in these plants. Indirect contact with urushiol can also cause the rash. This may happen when you touch clothing, pet fur, sporting gear, gardening tools, or other objects that have come in contact with one of these plants. See similar questions...

The best way to prevent the rash is to learn to identify and avoid the plants. When contact with the plants is unavoidable, heavy clothing (long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and vinyl gloves) and barrier creams or lotions may provide some protection. See similar questions...

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 50 million people get the rash each year. However, not everyone will get the rash. Expert opinion varies slightly as to how many people are immune to getting the rash. The estimates vary and suggest that between 3% and 15% of the population is immune to urushiol. However, even those immune people may get the rash if exposed to the plants enough. See similar questions...

No, there are no poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac or any climbing plants in our area due to the cold climate. See similar questions...

ONGARD® needs to be applied every four hours. The reason is that the skin sloughs off skin particles after about four hours so any protectant should be re-applied every four hours. See similar questions...

Before you go outside, apply ONGARD® Skin Protectant to your hands and any other exposed skin that could touch the leaves on any poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac plant. If you stay outside, you should re-apply ONGARD® every four hours. If you touch any of those plants, be sure to wash off the sap from those plants with soap and water, and then dry your skin with a disposable paper towel. See similar questions...

No. Zanfel actually removes the toxin, urushiol oil, from the skin after contact has been made with the plant. There is no need to use it until you are certain you contacted the plant or when swelling and itching begin. In this way, you avoid wasting the product. Even if you use barrier or preventive creams, they may not always be effective and they do not shield your clothing. Oil on your clothing may contaminate you when you undress. See similar questions...

Per Erica G., "there is poison ivy on the island, but I've never actually seen it. I know its there, however, because my sister got it all over her arms up there once several years ago. It isn't very common though. My dad said there never used to be any up there when he was little. Some hiker must have tracked it in on their equipment or clothing." See similar questions...

Poison ivy is not controlled under the basic lawn care program. It may need a professional round up burn depending on the area and the amount of poison ivy present. We would have a manager inspect the area and give his recommendation for removal. To learn more about poison ivy, click here for another informative article. See similar questions...

Poison ivy is not routinely removed from park land unless it is near a playground, on a trail or other high-use area. Poison ivy is native to Virginia and is considered a natural part of our parks. See similar questions...