•  
  •  

Indirect Contact With Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac

Indirect contact with the allergenic oil in poison ivy, oak, and sumac can occur from contact with:

  • Sporting equipment, such as fishing rods, balls, baseball bats and gloves, and hockey sticks.
  • Lawn and gardening tools, such as lawn mower handles, rakes, and gardening gloves.
  • Clothing and shoes, such as gloves, pants, or footwear that have brushed against the plant.
  • Pet fur. Although animals do not get a rash when they are exposed to poison ivy, they can carry the oil on their fur, where it may be spread to people who pet them.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised April 21, 2011

Last Revised: April 21, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.