Can you swim with poison ivy?

Answer 1

Yes, in the early stages it can. When the oil of the plant, urushiol, remains on the skin, skin to skin contact with the affected area may spread the rash from person to person. It can also be spread through unwashed clothing that was in contact with urushiol from the plant or the skin. Once the oils are washed from or fully absorbed into the skin, it can no longer be passed from person to person.

Answer 2

Yes, but if swimming in a pool and not the ocean, the area could become agitated from the chemicals.

Make sure to wash and apply lotion to the area before swimming. Then repeat when finished swimming.

Answer 3

Yes, it's a good idea to shower and wash with soap to remove any remaining oil. Once the oil is removed with soap, you can't spread it from yourself to yourself, in the shower or anywhere else.

Answer 4

It is not recommended to swim with poison ivy, as the urushiol oil that causes the allergic reaction can potentially spread in water and to others. It is best to avoid swimming until the rash has healed to prevent further irritation and spreading.

Answer 5

Yes, the chlorine will help dry out the rash. Also, it is not contagious to other people in the pool, it is only passed on from the oils in the plant.

Answer 6

No, poison ivy is not contagious.

Answer 7

If your skin comes in contact with the other person's rash, yes.