Everyone should know about this poisonous plant. Threatening skin damage caused by phototoxic substances

Incineration by plants often only shows up a few days later

Contact with certain plants can have dire consequences. One of the most famous representatives among the dangerous plants is the giant hogweed, also known as the Hercules shrub. This contains so-called phototoxic substances, which can cause severe skin damage on contact in combination with sunlight. Many sufferers can not explain the burns, because the skin reactions usually occur only with two to three days delay.

Dr. Hermann Josef Kahl is a pediatrician as well as a federal press spokesman of the Professional Association of Pediatricians (BVKJ). He warns parents against the possible consequences of exposure to toxic plants: "These plants, in combination with sunlight, can cause very severe skin damage," the expert explains in a press release. The skin damage can be like burns and must be treated as such.

The imposing size of the Hercules shrub often appeals to children, who are then in danger of coming into contact with the phototoxic ingredients of plant sap. (Image: TwilightArtPictures / fotolia.com)

No direct sunlight needed

"However, direct sunlight is not necessarily needed to trigger a response," warns Kahl. The effect of UV-A radiation in a thin cloud cover could be sufficient. Often, these skin lesions occur around the legs, face, neck, and forearms.

Emergency measures against the toxic ingredients

"When children come into contact with plant juice splashes, parents should wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and water," advises the pediatrician. If plant juice has come into the eye, it must be rinsed thoroughly with water immediately. For safety's sake, an ophthalmologist should also be contacted. Furthermore, children who have come into contact with such plants should stay away from the sun for two days and abstain from swimming.

Treatment of a phototoxic combustion

The expert recommends protecting the affected skin with sunscreen. The resulting swelling and inflammatory reactions can be alleviated, according to Kahl with ice bags and moist compresses. If the reactions are particularly severe or if large areas of skin are affected, a doctor should be consulted.

Giant Bear Claw is popular with children

"Ideally, children should not play around giant hogweed or other phototoxic plants," explains Kahl. However, the Herkulesstaude is very popular with children, as it is suitable for example for hide and seek. In addition, the shrubs have long and thick stems from which children can make improvised swords or blowpipes.

Other dangerous plants

The Giant Bear Claw is one of the best known phototoxic poison plants. But there are a whole series of other plants that use urushiols or furocoumarins as antibodies. These chemical compounds trigger the harmful effect. Other phototoxic plants are, for example:

• parsley,
• parsnip,
• dill,
• anise,
• Real celery,
• Real coriander,
• some meadow grasses,
• poison hemlock,
• cartilage carrot,
• Citrus fruits such as lemon and lime,
• figs,
• mulberries,
• bergamot,
• the leaves of the carrot.

Also with gardening caution is necessary

Recently, a case caused a stir in which a 32-year-old Brit complained of pain after gardening. He had suffered severe burns and rashes from contact with Bear Claw. The blisters were so badly inflamed that an emergency operation had to be performed. (Vb)