Preventing Poison Ivy

Q. I read your question about the young lady who had problems with poison ivy. I am a dermatology nurse and see a lot of patients with poison ivy. I have them wash ALL their clothing and work tools in soap and water as soon as they come in from outdoors. They take the shoelaces out of their shoes, too, and wash them both!
Poison ivy oil can stay on garden tools and toys for MONTHS, so washing is important. People say poison ivy spreads, but really it is from new contact with the oil on some object.
A. You didn’t mention pets. They too can carry poison ivy oil on their fur. They are harder to wash, but it may be worth the effort!