Question 1

is poison ivy contagious and does scratching help to spread it?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning: Poison ivy is not contagious but you may be getting them repeatedly from contaminated clothing and gear. Be sure to use detergents on these items otherwise it will come back like freddy.
If the problem is severe, you will need to see a doctor who may prescribe some Prednisone pills or a cortisone injection for you.  In the meanwhile, try apply some otc Hydrocortisone cream 3 to 4 times daily.

Question 2

can i spread a poison ivy rash by scratching?

Accepted Answer

Poison ivy: You cannot spread poison ivy rash by scratching.  Poison ivy is a haptin meaning a small molecule.  It must bind skin tissue to form an allergic reaction.  Once it binds to skin, poison ivy does not come off so it can not be transferred to you or another person. Poison ivy rash is contracted by contact with the oil, urushiol.

Question 3

i have poison oak and poison ivy. is the rash contagious to others and could it be spread on my body by scratching or simple contact?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes and Yes to both questions.

Question 4

very itchy earlobes, rash shows when i scratch. spread to left cheek. no poison ivy or bug bites. no new foods or meds. can this be part of fibro?

Accepted Answer

NO: If you're referring to fibromyalgia the answer is no. Fibromyalgia is characterized by muscle aches and pains esp over certain "trigger points". As far as i know there are no skin manifestations. You may be having a skin reaction/rash from something though.

Question 5

got into some poison ivy or something, 3-4 wks ago. still itching and scratching.  what to do?

Accepted Answer

Poison Ivy: unless you are reexposing yourself to the Rhus oil from clothing you wore when exposed the reaction should be going away. You may have a secondary infection, or have developed a scratch itch cycle. Contrary to popular belief you can not spread poison ivy by the fluid in the blisters.  You need to be seen and treated by your doctor.

Question 6

a few days ago i penis and scrotum started to itch. not thinking about it i started to rub and scratch it. now i see what looks like poison ivy.?

Accepted Answer

Could be : ...A contact dermatitis from poison ivy or other allergen 
try otc Hydrocortisone cream.

Question 7

i have an itchy rash looks like little ant bites. it's been 7 days. thought it was poison ivy. nothing is helping. i have scabs from scratching ?

Accepted Answer

Poison ivy, scabies: Lots of possibilities here and difficult without actually seeing the rash and asking a few questions.

Best over the counter treatment for poison ivy is Zanfel as directed.

Best over the counter treatment for Scabies is NIX (permethrin) or RID.

Question 8

i am experiencing  soreness or burning inside of mouth and itchy rash on my leg, i believe i may have gotten poison ivy on my leg and scratched it before noticing what it was and maybe i got it on my mouth. anything i can do to help relieve my mouth?

Accepted Answer

Drug reaction?: Only thing I can think of affecting both the mouth and the skin would be a drug reaction. Was there a new drug introduced within 2 weeks prior to onset ? I suspect that they are unrelated since poison ivy does not  cause mouth problem unless you are chewing it . For sore mouth, try switching to Biotene toothpaste. For the skin, topical hydrocortisone . See allergist if not better.

Question 9

can you spread poison ivy rash between people?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The oily allergen of poison ivy can be spread between susceptible people.

Question 10

how do you spread poison ivy all over your arms and legs, without intending to do so?

Accepted Answer

Thru resin: Poison ivy contains a resin called uroshiol which causes the allergic reaction upon contact with skin. This resin can be spread by one body part touching another and thru the clothes. Every body part in contact with poison ivy needs to be  washed and all clothing needs to be washed without touching the skin or sealed away in plastic bag until they can be washed.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Can you spread poison ivy by scratching

A member asked:

Is poison ivy contagious and does scratching help to spread it?

A member asked:

Can i spread a poison ivy rash by scratching?

A member asked:

I have poison oak and poison ivy. is the rash contagious to others and could it be spread on my body by scratching or simple contact?

A member asked:

Very itchy earlobes, rash shows when i scratch. spread to left cheek. no poison ivy or bug bites. no new foods or meds. can this be part of fibro?

A member asked:

Got into some poison ivy or something, 3-4 wks ago. still itching and scratching. what to do?

A member asked:

A few days ago i penis and scrotum started to itch. not thinking about it i started to rub and scratch it. now i see what looks like poison ivy.?

A member asked:

I have an itchy rash looks like little ant bites. it's been 7 days. thought it was poison ivy. nothing is helping. i have scabs from scratching ?

A member asked:

I am experiencing soreness or burning inside of mouth and itchy rash on my leg, i believe i may have gotten poison ivy on my leg and scratched it before noticing what it was and maybe i got it on my mouth. anything i can do to help relieve my mouth?

A member asked:

Can you spread poison ivy rash between people?

A member asked:

How do you spread poison ivy all over your arms and legs, without intending to do so?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?