Is Poison Oak Contagious?

Poison oak is a shrub or vine that grows anywhere in the United States with the exception of Alaska, Hawaii and the desert of the Southwest. The oils on the plant's leaves can cause a rash if it touches skin. Though it is quite easy to get this rash, the rash itself is not contagious to other people.

Chemical

The chemical that causes the rash is called urushiol. People get the oil on their skin by touching the poison oak leaves or roots or by petting an animal that has brushed up against it and gotten it on their coat.

Spread

The rash appears once the oil has soaked into the skin. Scratching the affected area will not spread the rash because the oil has already been absorbed.

Person to Person

Touching someone else's rash will not spread poison oak. If a person who has the oil on their hands touches you, you can get the rash that way.

Remedies

Most remedies, such as cortisone and calamine, will do little to make the poison oak rash go away. If the infection is serious, you may want to see your doctor about a prescription for steroids.

Immunity

While some people may be immune to poison oak, frequent exposure can take away that immunity. Repeated exposure does not make a person immune from poison oak.

References

• Contact Dermatitis
• Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac Rash Facts & Myths