How does poison ivy rash spread?

Getting a poison ivy rash is enough to ruin anyone's day. The rash is from an allergic reaction to the urushiol oil in the plant. Symptoms range from red bumps to large blisters with itching so intense that it keeps you up at night.

The problem? It spreads! Read more to know more about how poison ivy rash spreads. You'll learn some prevention tips, and if you're curious about treating your rashes, we have something for that too!

How does poison ivy rash spread?

Poison ivy is a common plant that can cause an itchy rash. And with that, there is a frequent misconception that poison ivy rash is contagious even though it's not! You can get poison ivy rash by touching or brushing up against the plant's leaves, stems, or roots.

Poison ivy contains an oil, called urushiol, that causes a reaction in the skin within 24 to 48 hours of  initial contact. The rash usually appears on the hands, arms, and legs and may spread to other parts of your body if not treated quickly. Here are some examples of how poison ivy is spread:

1. If you have poison ivy rash, you can spread unbonded oil to other parts of your body or other people by skin-to-skin contact.
2. Contact with clothing. If you have been in any area where poison ivy is growing, wash your clothes immediately and avoid mixing it with other garments. The oil can stay on the surface of fabrics until it is effectively removed.
3. Contact with pets. If your pet has been in any area where poison ivy is growing, clean them off as soon as possible. The oil can stay on the surface of their fur. If your pet rolls around in it and then rubs against you, you could get a rash. Use Tecnu Detox Wipes to clean your pet after a walk. Don't worry; it's pet-friendly.
4. Inhaling the smoke of burning poison ivy plants can cause a reaction. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, consult a doctor immediately to avoid complications.

Prevention tips

Preventing poison ivy rash is the best way to avoid this itchy, irritating and painful skin condition. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting poison ivy:

• Stay away from poison ivy plants. Poison ivy grows in most areas of North America. It looks like a three-leafed plant with shiny green leaves.
• Wear long pants and sleeves when hiking or walking through woods or fields where you might come across poison ivy plants or vines.
• Wear gloves when handling items you know may contain poison ivy oils, such as gardening tools and lumber.
• Keep your pets away from areas known for having poisonous plants, such as densely wooded areas off the hiking trail.

Treatment Options

After contact with poison ivy, clean your skin with a cleanser designed to remove the rash-causing oil such as Tecnu Original or Detox Wipes as soon as possible. This will remove irritating urushiol oil from your skin before it has time to cause a reaction. However, if you have already developed a rash, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) Tecnu Calagel to relieve itching, redness, and swelling.

Additionally, if you have been hiking, biking, or doing any other activity that may have exposed you to poison ivy, wash your clothes. Washing your clothes will help keep you from accidentally "getting it again." You can use Tecnu Original to ensure the oil is removed correctly. Reminder, check color fastness. Just place it in an inconspicuous area (such as under the collar) before using it on the entire garment.

Choose the right one!

Enjoying your time outdoors can come with a downside to all that fun thanks to poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Treating your rash requires care to avoid infections and severe complications; that's why choosing the right products is crucial.

The great news is that there are multiple Tecnu products that you can use easily, anytime. Tecnu has been part of the leading name in outdoor wellness for decades. Tecnu products are still the #1 way to combat poison ivy rash.