Poison Ivy

[WolfVanZandt]

I've read that water deactivates the oils from poison ivy so if you wash it as soon as you contact it, you're alright.
I would imagine that most "spreading" is caused my multiple contact with contaminated articles.

[Skippy]

That sounds about right, I never get it but my poor ol wife gets it every time she washes my clothes after I have been hiking and have walked thru some.

[AlabamaDan]

I've read that water deactivates the oils from poison ivy so if you wash it as soon as you contact it, you're alright.
I would imagine that most "spreading" is caused my multiple contact with contaminated articles.

I don't think water alone does.  You need some type of soap.  In fact, if you use bar soap I imagine you could get the oils on the bar and spread them that way.  Probably should use liquid soap in the shower.

Also, I get it really bad and remember taking a bleach bath at times to help dry up the stuff.  Maybe that's why I'm so white!   

[SmokeDiver]

Wouldn't the plant be harmless if water deactivated the oil? Every time it rains the plant would lose it's self defense.

[WolfVanZandt]

Heh, you should see how productive my sinuses are now days......no, I think the plant would be able to keep replenishing fresh venom.

http://health.howstuffwor...edies-for-poison-ivy1.htm

"Water deactivates the oil, so once your clothes are soaked, they're safe."