Is poison ivy/poison oak contagious?
Poison ivy/poison oak cannot be spread from person to person by touching the blisters, or from the fluid inside the blisters. It can be spread, however, if the oils remain on the skin, clothes, or shoes. This is why washing your hands, clothes, and shoes as soon as possible is very important. Preventing poison ivy/poison oak: • Teach all family members to recognize the plants. • Make sure you wear long pants and long sleeves when poison ivy or poison oak are in the vicinity. • Wash all clothes and shoes immediately after you have been outside. • Make sure you do not touch a pet that might have been in contact with a poisonous plant. • Wash your hands thoroughly.
