The Rash Is Not Contagious, But the Oil Is
Poison ivyis a plant found throughout the United States.
It typically has three leaves on each stem and grows on a vine or bush.
About 85% of people are allergic to poison ivy and develop a rash.
Philip Yabut / Getty Images
Poison ivy rash is not contagious.
In the general sense, it can’t be spread from person to person.
Urushiol is odorless and can transfer to anything that touches the plant.
Philip Yabut / Getty Images
Poison Ivy and Contagiousness
Can poison ivy spread from person to person?
The short answer is no, but the long answer is a little complicated.
When It Is Contagious
How does poison ivy spread by touch?
The poison ivy rash is not contagious between individuals.
The oil will produce the same skin rash as if you touched the poison ivy plant.
A majority of people, but not everyone, is allergic to the oil.
If you have come into contact with poison ivy, don’t wait for the rash to develop.
Immediately and thoroughly wash your skin with cool water and soap.
Wash your garden gloves and tools regularly to prevent inadvertently coming into contact with poison ivy oils.
The reality is that you may have brushed up against poison ivy with more than one body part.
Scratching a poison ivy rash doesn’t cause the rash to spread from its original spot.
The symptoms can last up to two weeks.
See adermatologist(a medical doctor specializing in skin conditions) or another healthcare provider for an evaluation.
Summary
Poison ivy is not contagious, meaning the rash does not spread from person to person.
American Skin Association.Poison ivy, sumac, and oak.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants.
UConn Health.Poison ivy fact sheet.
UpToDate.Patient education: Poison ivy (beyond the basics).
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: What does the rash look like?.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash.
