can poison ivy spread from person to person?

Answer 1

No you must come into contact with the plant oil (urushiol).

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are three of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis in North America. The resin of all three contains an active oily ingredient known as urushiol. While the urushiols of the three plants are not identical, they are sufficiently similar in chemical composition for a person allergic to one to react to all three.

Because urushiol is in the resin of the plant, rubbing or crushing the plant or a leaf provides sufficient contact for an allergic reaction. Very small amounts of the chemical can provoke a serious reaction in susceptible people.

Cases of poison ivy allergy occur most frequently during the spring, summer, and early fall when people spend more time outdoors. A reaction to poison ivy, however, can develop even during winter because urushiol is still present in dead or decaying Toxicodendron plants. The chemical can be carried in smoke particles from burning plants, including branches of poison sumac trees accidentally gathered for firewood. The smoke may expose not only the skin of susceptible persons to the chemical but also their nasal passages, throat, and lungs.

Urushiol is transferred easily from one object to another, so clothing or tools that touch the plants, or pets that rub against them, can pick up the plant oil and pass it directly to a person. The chemical can remain active for at least one year and sometimes much longer. Therefore, exposed objects or pets should be thoroughly cleaned with water after contact with the plants.

Contrary to common belief, scratching or spontaneous oozing of the rash and blisters will not cause them to spread because urushiol is not present in the blister fluid. If the chemical has not been completely washed off the skin, touching the affected areas and then another part of the body can transfer the chemical and thus the rash. Similarly, the rash cannot be passed between persons, unless urushiol is still present on the skin of the affected individual.

Answer 2

Yes. The oil can get on clothes and other items so you can even get it by handling something that a person with poison ivy has used. Anything in contact with poison ivy should be washed throughly as soon as possible.

If you suspect your skin has touched poison ivy, oak, or sumac, rinse the area with water immediately (within 10 to 15 minutes) to help prevent a reaction. However, most people have up to 4 hours to wash the oil off before a reaction occurs. 2 Clothing should also be thoroughly washed immediately. Contaminated surfaces should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
can poison ivy spread from person to person?

Answer 4

Poison ivy, oak, or sumac poisoning is an allergic reaction from contact with the sap of plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Contact may be indirect, such as petting an animal that came in contact with the plant. The sap can also contaminate clothing, garden tools, and sports equipment such as fishing rods or golf clubs.

Small amounts of sap can remain under a person's fingernails for several days unless it is deliberately removed by meticulous cleaning. The droplets of sap can even be found in the ashes of burned plants. Wash the area immediately with soap and water. Prompt washing can prevent a reaction, but is of little help more than 1 hour after exposure. Isolate and carefully wash any contaminated objects or clothing in hot soapy water.

An antihistamine cream or steroid cream may help with the itching. An oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl, may relieve some of the itching.

yes it can spread from person to person.

Answer 5

Try Calahist or Caladryl. It is over the counter for topical use on poison ivy and for using on clothes. I'm not a hundred percent sure of this so read the label. Good luck I hate the stuff.

Answer 6

Yes,Poison Ivy can spread from person to person..If you want to dry it up immediately;try felsnapa soap.It is located in the laundry aisle in your grocery or general merchandise store..

Answer 7

yes, poison ivy can stick to clothes and tools if another person touches the same clothes some one who had it was wearing

Answer 8

Yes, it is an oil that is difficult to wash off and can be spread pretty easy from one to another.
Wash the bedsheets you sleep in, clothes you wore when you were around it in hot water.

Answer 9

Oh God, would you ignorant people shut up and do some research?

No, it cannot be spread person-to-person after you've already started showing signs of the allergic reaction. UOPH hit the nail square on the head.

Answer 10

yes, it can spread. You should make sure the person who has it has their own towel and wash cloth and wash it after they use it.poison ivy will spread on the person, as well as to whoever they come into direct contact with.