Outdoor enthusiasts know to protect themselves from contact with poison ivy and other similar plants such as poison sumac. For many, brushing against these plants will lead to red, irritated, bumpy, itchy skin. There are many misconceptions about poison ivy.

Contact Dermatitis

Commonly referred to as poison ivy or poison sumac rash, contact dermatitis is skin irritation caused by direct contact with certain substances, including certain kinds of soap and jewelry. If the irritation is due to an allergy, the first exposure produces no reaction, but subsequent exposure always produces a reaction. Allergic reactions also quickly occur whereas non-allergic irritation may take more time to develop.

Poison Ivy Rash is Allergic Contact Dermatitis

“A poison ivy rash is a type of skin irritation called allergic contact dermatitis,” according to the Mayo Clinic article, “Poison ivy rash.” Along with poison oak and poison sumac, poison ivy plants are coated with a protective, oily substance called urushiol. The oil can be spread by touching skin or objects that have come into contact with it.

According to the Mayo Clinic, poison ivy rash does not spread, but may appear to do so as the skin reacts to the oil. The skin must come into direct contact with the urushiol to be affected, and may absorb the oil at different rates. After contact, the rash can take 12 to 48 hours to develop. It may last for up to eight weeks.

Contact with Poison Ivy

Wearing long pants and socks in areas where poison ivy can be found will help protect the skin from the urushiol. It is important not to touch the exposed portion of the clothing because it will be covered with oil. Urushiol can be removed from clothing by washing it with laundry detergent. If the skin comes into contact with urushiol, thoroughly wash it with soap and water, preferably within five or 10 minutes. Be sure to scrub underneath the fingernails.

Poison Ivy Treatment

As long as the allergic reaction is not life-threatening, or an infection has not developed as the result of scratching, home treatment may suffice. Hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion may be used to treat the itching. Diphenhydramine or other antihistamines may be used to treat the allergic reaction and lessen the irritation. Soaking the affected area in cool water or applying a cool compress may help make the rash more tolerable.

Poison Ivy Misconceptions

• A poison ivy rash and fluid from the blisters are not contagious and cannot spread by contact.
• Poison ivy rash does not spread, but the skin absorbs and reacts to the urushiol at different rates.
• According to the Harvard University Environmental Health & Safety “Toolbox Talk #19: Poison Ivy,” from October 6, 2008, “You can not spread poison ivy from person to person. Urushiol will be absorbed by the skin within 30 minutes of exposure; once the oil is absorbed by the skin it can no longer be passed to another person.”

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