There have been numerous incidents lately of children being left with blisters, rashes and burning after they came in contact with Hogweed - a giant weed with photosensitising furanocoumarins. Sadly, this plant which can grow up to 5m in height and has large flower heads can be very dangerous if it comes in contact with skin.

 

1. How to spot Giant Hogweed

  • Apart from its sheer size, the weed can be recognised by the purple spots and tiny, white hairs that grow on the stem.
  • They also have large, white flowers which can often be confused with the Cow Parsnip.

 

2. Why is it dangerous?

 

While the plant won’t damage your skin if you brush past it, if you come in contact with the phototoxic sap via broken leaves, roots, stems or the flowers, particularly if you’re sweaty, it can cause blistering and skin inflammation. When the sap comes in contact with sunlight, chemicals in the plant called furocoumarins cause phytophotodermatitis to take place – a condition which stops the skin protecting itself from sunlight.

 

 

3. What to do if your child touches the plant?

  • If your child does come into contact with the sap, make sure to cover the area from the sunlight immediately and take your little one inside.
  • Next, wash the area with cold, clean water and soap as soon as possible and use gloves to protect your own hands.
  • If the sap gets into their eyes, wash it out immediately as above. Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from sunlight.
  • Take your little one to the GP as soon as you can.
  • Protect the area from sun exposure for the next few months or years to prevent another reaction. 

 

4. Symptoms to look out for?

  • While the pain is not noticeable immediately, the phototoxic reaction can happen 15 minutes after you or your child touches the plant and peaks at about 30 to 120 minutes after. 
  • Painful blisters occur 48 hours after initial contact.
  • There may also be scarring that can last between a few months and a few years.
  • Long-term sensitivity to sunlight.

 

 

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