Is poison oak contagious? I mean, if you have it, can you pass it to somebody else?

Answer by  Erynn (1651)

Poison oak is what it sounds like - a mild poison, acquired from the poison oak plant. You can't pass it on, particularly if you bathe. If you don't want your kids to suffer with you, don't let them near the plant.

Answer by  Mariana39 (440)

It's not contagious, but the oil released by the plant is very persistent. Wash thoroughly the areas affected and anything else that came in contact with the poisonous leaves.

Answer by  whoareyou (3483)

Poison oak is actually transferred in an oil like substance. Once you wash it off (with soap), the oil is removed and no longer contagious. However, if you scratch before washing, anything you touch will get that oil on it. Even pets can carry the oil in their fur.

Answer by  cindy2366 (224)

Rashes caused by poison oak are actually an allergic reaction to the plant. In order to catch poison oak you must come in contact with the plant itself and be allergic to it. The rash cannot be transferred from person to person.