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Can cause massive blisters and ulcers
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- Giant Hogweed can cause massive blisters and ulcers if it touches skin and can also cause blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes.
www.forestryjournal.co.uk/news/24336756.giant-hogweed-spot-dangerous-treating-burns/
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Apr 5, 2024 · Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) also known as giant cow parsley, hogsbane, or cartwheel-flower, is a plant in the carrot family. People who touch its sap may develop giant hogweed burns, which can cause skin-related symptoms like inflammation and severe redness.
- Laura Dorwart
- Overview
- Giant hogweed burn
- What does giant hogweed look like?
- What to do if you touch giant hogweed sap
- What to do if you see giant hogweed
- Takeaway
What is giant hogweed?
Giant hogweed is an herb that’s related to carrots, cilantro, and parsley. It grows naturally in the Caucasus Mountains, which stretch between the Black and Caspian Seas in Southwest Asia.
The plant was first introduced to the United States in 1917 for decorative planting. Its large size and delicate white flowers, which can sometimes be mistaken for Queen Anne’s lace, made it an attractive addition to gardens.
But the plant soon became an invasive and dangerous species because it’s harmful to humans and disturbs the natural habitat.
Giant hogweed sap can cause severe burns on human and animal skin. It grows very large and has the ability to spread quickly, allowing it to crowd out other plants that grow naturally.
Giant hogweed can be 15 to 20 feet tall when it’s fully grown. Thick stems, about 2 to 4 inches wide, support leaves that can reach 5 feet in width. Its clusters of small flowers can reach 2 1/2 feet in diameter and one bunch can produce thousands of seeds.
Giant hogweed isn’t dangerous as long as you don’t touch its sap. The sap inside the leaves and stalks is what causes burns. It has toxic chemicals called furanocoumarins.
When these come in contact with the skin, it causes a reaction called phytophotodermatitis. This reaction actually damages your DNA and changes the way your skin protects itself from ultraviolet (UV) light.
Phytophotodermatitis means your skin isn’t able to protect itself properly from the sun. If the skin gets exposed to sunlight, it causes a severe burn. This chemical reaction can happen as quickly as 15 minutes after getting the sap on your skin.
The longer sap is on your skin, the more sensitive skin can become to sunlight. Your skin may still be affected even months after exposure.
Redness and burn blisters can develop about 48 hours after exposed skin is in sunlight. The severity of the burn depends on how long you’re in the sun.
It can damage more than skin. If the sap gets in your eyes, giant hogweed can cause temporary or permanent blindness. Breathing in sap particles from the air can cause respiratory problems.
Giant hogweed reaches 15 to 20 feet when it’s fully grown. Before that, the plant can get confused with plants that look similar, such as Queen Anne’s lace, because of its tiny white flowers that form in large clusters. But there are specific characteristics you can look for.
The easiest way to recognize giant hogweed is to look at the stem. It’ll have dark purple-red blotches and thin, white bristles. The green, jagged leaves can get as large as 5 feet wide. They may also have thin, white bristles.
If you get giant hogweed sap on your skin, wash the area with mild soap and cool water as soon as you can. Keep the skin covered when you’re outside to protect it from sunlight. The faster you’re able to wash off the sap, the less possible damage it can cause.
If a rash or blisters start to form, get medical attention. The treatment will depend on how severe the burn or reaction is. Skin irritation that’s caught early might be treated with a steroid cream and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain.
Severe burns could require surgery to graft new skin over the damaged skin.
In addition to having clothing over the blistered area when you’re outside, you’ll want to wrap it in gauze to prevent more sun exposure. Doctors may recommend you keep the area wrapped when you’re outside for several months, even after blisters are healed.
Giant hogweed is on the federal noxious weed list as Heracleum mantegazzianum. Because it’s considered an invasive plant, giant hogweed is banned from being planted and should be reported for removal if it’s spotted.
The plant usually grows in:
•moist areas
•woods
•spaces with partial shade
•areas along streams and rivers
Giant hogweed is a dangerous and invasive plant. When the sap gets on your skin and the skin is exposed to sunlight, it can cause serious burns that require medical treatment, including surgery.
If you see the plant, don’t try to remove it yourself. Contact the department of conservation in your state.
Aug 2, 2018 · If your skin comes in contact with the watery sap of giant hogweed, you will experience: Reddish skin and itching within a few hours. Blister formation within 48 hours of exposure. Black or purple scarring from the blisters that will last several years. In severe cases, hospitalization is necessary.
Jun 27, 2023 · Giant hogweed is a common poisonous plant in the UK and can cause burning, blisters and scarring. People across the UK have been warned to avoid the giant hogweed plant after a...
Oct 7, 2023 · Giant Hogweed can cause massive blisters and ulcers if it touches skin and can also cause blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes. This is everything you need to know about Giant Hogweed. What is Giant Hogweed and is it dangerous?
A reaction can begin as soon as 15 minutes after contact with the sap. Sensitivity to light peaks between 30 minutes and two hours after contact but can last for several days. On a summers day, this can lead to burning, inflammation and blisters can be very severe, and lead to scarring.
