Dear Ferret Folks-
 
I don't know if your fuzzies could get P.I. if the oil from the leaves
touched their bare skin and not their protective fur, I'm not really sure
about that.  I am sure that you could get if from THEM, if you take them
for a romp outside, they touch the plants, get the oil from the leaves on
their fur,(ever notice how shiny P.I. leaves are?  It's the oil.) and you
touch that oil on their fur, you could get P.I.  I have gotten P.I. from
my dogs and cats that way several times,(once perfect itchy paw prints
complete with the impression of individual toes) but I am more sensitive
to P.I. than most people.  To say the least.
 
The key is that oil on the surface of the leaves.  THAT is what spreads
the allergy, not a clean person who just happens to have P.I.  Soap and
water destroys that oil, one shower will do it, and once the oil is gone,
that person cannot 'infect 'you.  His clothes or shoes might be able to
if they still have the oil on them and you pick them up or do the laundry,
but he can't.That oil can stay potent on fabric for days.  That makes it
seem as if you must have 'caught it' from the infected person days later.
He can give himself a much worse case by scratching himself, but he could
scratch you with the same hand and you will be fine.  Most people don't
want to believe this but it is true.  I have had to see many doctors over
the years for P.I., when it gets inside of my mouth, when it swells my
eyes shut, when I get it on my hands from digging in soil containing the
roots, etc.,(in the %$#@& WINTER, no less) and they have ALL told me the
same thing.  No oil, no 'infection'.  I have never given it to my husband,
even though he holds me, holds my hand, and sleeps in the same bed.  Not
even when I had both eyes swelled shut.
 
If you know your fuzzie has romped in P.I. and you are sensitive to it,
try giving them a bath in something like Dawn dishwashing liquid and warm
water.That will destroy the evil oil.  If you know you have touched the
leaves, wash the exposed skin with a strong detergent as soon as possible,
and you may not get a rash at all.  Plus you'll smell lemony fresh.
 
Alexandra in Massachusetts
Itching just thinking about it.
[Posted in FML issue 3804]