Question 1

for what length of time can poison ivy spread for once the oil gets onto you?

Accepted Answer

Few hours to weeks: The oil, urushiol, is what causes the symptoms.  Once you come into contact with it, your symptoms may take hours up to 3 week to develop depending on the person.  The oil may be carried on your clothes or under fingernails. It is not passed on from person to person and is not contagious.

Question 2

can there be any other types of oil like poison ivy oil that irritates skin?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Oils can cause various reactions of the skin dependent on a patients sensitivity to them.

Question 3

what is the safest way to wash off oil from poison ivy on clothes?

Accepted Answer

Wash the clothes: Poison ivy allergen, urushiol, is water soluble, and may be easily removed by using household detergent in a wash machine.  All clothing must be thoroughly washed to remove the oily substance which is liberated from the plant when its leaves or stems are crushed in handling.

Question 4

how much time does poison ivy oil last on clothes and shoes?

Accepted Answer

Poison Ivy Oil...: Urushiol oil can remain active for several years, so handling dead leaves or vines can cause a reaction. In addition, oil transferred from the plant to other objects (such as pet fur) can cause the rash if it comes into contact with the skin. Clothing, tools, and other objects that have been exposed to the oil should be washed to prevent further transmission.  It needs to be washed off!

Question 5

how to know if there are poison ivy oils on headphones?

Accepted Answer

No way to know: You can't test for it but if you suspect that there may be then you can wipe them off with warm soapy water followed by wiping them off with alcohol to remove any oil.

Question 6

few days ago my boyfriend got poison ivy. he had some on his penis.we had sex. will my vagina be okay? my mom n him say the oils should be gone. help!

Accepted Answer

Yes : you should be fine unless you are highly allergic to poison ivy In that case you either need to seek medical help or monitor closely

Question 7

several spots of poison ivy histamine bumps, have caked with calamine lotion but spreading to eyes, best way to get oils off?

Accepted Answer

Poison ivy: If you had an exposure to poison ivy, you should wash yourself and all clothing/ items  you wore at the time of exposure .Poison iv is an allergic reaction so sometimes the spread is due to worsening allergic reaction. If it is spreading you should seek medical attention as you may need oral steroids ( prednisone) to get the reaction under control. Calamine may be insufficient.

Hope this helps

Question 8

how to dry out poison ivy?

Accepted Answer

Poison ivy : Calamine lotion will help with the itch and help to dry the rash.  Prescription corticosteroid cream or pills may be needed for more widespread poison ivy.

Question 9

does poison ivy always itch?

Accepted Answer

At some stage: Since it is a contact allergic reaction, it will always itch at some stage .

Question 10

what can be done for poison ivy?

Accepted Answer

Aviodance: First avoid if possible.  Wash with soapy water, then keep clean and dry.  If a rash erupts, see your doctor.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Removing poison ivy oil

A member asked:

For what length of time can poison ivy spread for once the oil gets onto you?

A member asked:

Can there be any other types of oil like poison ivy oil that irritates skin?

A member asked:

What is the safest way to wash off oil from poison ivy on clothes?

A member asked:

How much time does poison ivy oil last on clothes and shoes?

A member asked:

How to know if there are poison ivy oils on headphones?

A member asked:

Few days ago my boyfriend got poison ivy. he had some on his penis.we had sex. will my vagina be okay? my mom n him say the oils should be gone. help!

A member asked:

Several spots of poison ivy histamine bumps, have caked with calamine lotion but spreading to eyes, best way to get oils off?

A member asked:

How to dry out poison ivy?

A member asked:

Does poison ivy always itch?

A member asked:

What can be done for poison ivy?

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?