I'm not sure what is fact or fiction anymore.
Somehow I got it pretty bad. Normally if I get any, a little of the pink stuff for a couple days and I'm good to go.
This time, I got a little on my arm. Used some expensive poison ivy scrub, washed my hands regularly, tried not to touch or scratch it, put the clear stuff on it, and yet it has spread everywhere (behind my knees, on my waistband area, spots on my hands, on top of my wrists, and a little on my eyelid). Went to the doctor today, they went the steroid shot + pills route.
Now the doctor said that it's not contagious, and touching it won't spread to other parts of my body. She said it's a reaction to the oil getting in my system, and randomly causing rashes.
But things I've read/been told, say that it's oil in your skin, and scratching/touching other things makes it worse. I've heard from people I know that had great success with those poison ivy scrubs, as it "gets the oils out and goes away quickly." Others give the bleach recommendation (doctor stated against this, as it just irritates the skin). Then I've heard other say just getting the steroids is the best thing, but that's usually in severe cases. Since mine is getting worse, I decided the doctor was the best route.
So what is really true/false? IMO a lot of the online info is based on either home remedy tales, or companies trying to make a buck with their remedy.