Poison Ivy FAQs
How do I get Poison Ivy?
You basically get a reaction from poison ivy by coming into contact with it, usually by touching it. However, you can also come into contact with it through a secondary source such as your clothes, garden tools, gloves - even your dog! Anything that has been in contact with poison ivy can potentially be carrying the oil that it produces called, "Urushiol Oil".
Is the poison ivy rash contagious?
The rash that one experiences from poison ivy is not transferable to other areas of the body or to other people. However, any urushiol oil remaining on the hands or other parts of the body is certainly transferable to others. One should take care to remove any clothing that may have come into contact with poison ivy from communal places and wash hands that may have touched it. Urushiol oil is a substance that few people are immune to.
Can I get a rash from dead poison ivy?
Dead poison ivy can still contain and carry amounts of urushiol oil several years after it has died. Therefore, there is a risk of getting a rash, even from dead poison ivy.
What concerns are there around self-removal of poison ivy?
People often think that poison ivy is an annoyance rather than the potentially harmful plant that it is. Urushiol oil is an extremely hazardous substance to the human body and the results of exposure to it can lead to harmful effects requiring immediate medial attention.
Never burn live or dead poison ivy due to the risk of inhaling the smoke which could contain levels of urushiol oil.
Never remove poison ivy with a weed-wacker as this may result in the spread of the urushiol all over expose skin and people around you.
Always rely on a professional to remove live or dead poison ivy to ensure the proper precautions have been taken to safely remedy the problem.
Contacy Poison Ivy Gone with any additional questions or to request a free estimate at 888-664-8966.
