guess what? poison ivy is not contagious! get this: the only way to get poison ivy is by contacting the oil from the plant leaves. not from kissing someone with the rash. not from being in the same room with it. not from blister ooze. not from contact with a victim of its rath. it can't be spread.
here's the "catch:" the oil (urushiol, pronounced oo-roo-she-ol) from the plant is quite resilient. the toxin can stay active on clothing, shoes, and the skin for years. literally! for example, if after doing yard work you give your dirty clothes to your minion to launder, your minion will be exposed and can absolutely develop the rash. however, once you use detergent and wash your hands, body, and clothes the only place the poison ivy is present is in you.
from there, the oil induces an autoimmune response and gathers your T cells to direct them to attack your skin. bummer. now it's in your lymph system and although i was wearing a a tank and shorts in the woods, i have blisters on my torso and feet. and they can just pop up anywhere. ugh.
so you can still hug me, kiss me, and play with me without getting poison ivy ;)
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