Are poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac rashes contagious?
No. Rubbing a rash won’t spread it to other parts of your body or to another person. The only way to spread it is if the plant’s rash-causing oil, urushiol, is on hands or clothing. Always rinse skin thoroughly with plain, cool water and wash clothing and garden tools with hot, soapy water. And don’t forget to wash Fluffy or Fido’s fur, too, since pet fur can be a means of indirect contact with the irritant. It’s best to contact your veterinarian about any specific concerns.
