5 Myths About Poison Ivy

Getting Poison Ivy can really put a damper on a camping trip. What some people may not realize is there are a lot of myths floating around about these poisonous little plants that may change the way you look at them and the rash they cause!

myth #1: Poison Ivy is contagious to others. This is certainly a myth since the reaction comes only from contact with the urushiol oil from the plant’s leaves. If the rash is cleaned and free of that oil, then the rash is not contagious!

myth #2: Once allergic, always allergic. Allergies and sensitivity change over time and even from season to season. If you were allergic as a child, you may not be allergic as an adult and vice versa.

myth #3: Itching will spread the rash. This brings us back to the explanation of myth #1: if the rash has been cleaned and is free of urushiol oil, itching the rash will not spread it.

myth #4: Dead poison ivy is no longer contagious. Urushiol oil can stay active on dead plants for a long time: up to five years! it can also stay on surrounding plants for this long, not just poison ivy!

myth #5: Besides complete avoidance, there is no way to prevent a poison ivy rash. Studies have proven that certain creams can be effective in preventing rashes if applied before contact with the urushiol oil. So if you’re planning a camping trip or a hike, pick some up at your local pharmacy just in case!