Oregon Drift

Myth: Poison oak is contagious.
Fact: The active ingredient in poison oak is an oil called urushiol, which causes the allergic reaction that results in an itchy skin rash. Once the urushiol is absorbed into the skin, it can’t be passed from person to person. If it gets on clothes or other surfaces, however, it can remain active for some time; even dead poison oak plants aren’t safe to handle.

Myth: Once you get poison oak, you’ll never get it again.
Fact: Some people don’t get an itchy rash the first time they touch poison oak, but most do. Typically, each subsequent exposure is more severe and may last longer.

Myth: If you’re affected by poison oak once, you always will be.
Fact: Some people’s sensitivity to urushiol varies over time, sometimes even from season to season. People who are sensitive to it as children might not be when they grow up.

Myth: A good way to get rid of poison oak is to burn it.
Fact: The smoke from burning poison oak can cause serious allergic reactions if you inhale it or are exposed to it. Never burn poison oak to dispose of it.