Hi Edward -
Well there's 2 parts here so we'll call you partially correct. The oozing rash does not have any urushiol oil to release. That oozing is leakage from blood vessels in the skin. When we discuss cleaning up after contamination it relates to removing any unbonded urushiol oil from the person. Urushiol oil (from poison ivy, oak, sumac) is the substance which bonds with the skin and causes an immune system reaction (the itchy rash). If there is any unbonded urushiol oil on the person (such as on fingers, under fingernails, etc.) that could contaminate other parts of the body. A good reason why you don't want to scratch your nose if you've been in contact with poison ivy. |
