Gardening is very rewarding and enjoyable. It can bring us closer to nature and fulfill a therapeutic release for many. However, is it not important to take into regard that certain plants, which are beautiful in appearance and even at times beneficial, can become a hazard just by the touch of the skin? It is important to know which plants can cause irritation and how to protect oneself for a safer and more enjoyable gardening experience.

Common Garden Plants That Irritate the Skin

1. Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

Poison Ivy is probably the most notorious plant irritant; the plant has the toxin urushiol, an oily resin capable of inducing a severe allergic reaction in most individuals. The contact can cause red, swollen, and itchy skin, commonly with blisters in tow.

Just like poison ivy, poison oak also has urushiol. It can be distinguished from the poison by its oak-like leaves that come in groups of three. The skin reaction it produces is almost the same as the one made by poison ivy: severe itching, redness, and blisters.

2. Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)

Poison sumac is a member of the Toxicodendron family, containing also urushiol. Poison sumac grows often in wet, swampy areas, and it is more toxic than the other members of the family. Poison sumac may cause a severe rash as it contains more urushiol. Its leaves also grow in pairs along a central stem, but the berries are usually white/grey.

Stinging nettle is known to be well-covered with tiny hairs in its leaves and stem, where histamines are found besides other chemicals secreted onto the skin, thus giving a painful stinging sensation. This could have the area red and swollen.

3. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Making this weed even more dangerous is the fact that the sap has chemical compounds that are poisonous, known as furanocoumarins. When the skin comes into contact with the sap and then receives sunlight, it can cause severe burns and blisters, a condition known as phytophotodermatitis.

4. Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

Other types of plants that can cause phytophotodermatitis are wild parsnip. The chain of the phototoxic reaction has furanocoumarins in its sap. The reaction can lead to the formation of painful blisters and burns. The sap is located in the part of the plant.

5. Cow parsnip – Heracleum maximum

Grows up to 8′ in height. A native APIACEAE family member. Furanocoumarins are present. This plant is similar to giant hogweed but smaller in size and not as tall. ** Also contains furanocoumarins, which can cause a phototoxic reaction (skin irritation and burns in sun). Prefers moist sites

The Euphorbia members are diverse garden plants, such as spurges and poinsettias. Touch with the milky sap in these plants causes itching and reddening of the skin. If it transfers to the eyes more severe reactions are seen.

6. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)

Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum spp.) Generally called mums, chrysanthemums may induce skin irritations and rashes in some people due to pyrethrins. Although garden favorites for their beauty, chrysanthemums cause contact dermatitis unless handled using gloves.

7. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Iconic of the festive season, poinsettias prompt a low-grade skin irritation of a mild nature. Their sap contains irritant compounds which create a red, itchy, and swelling reaction.

How not to face skin irritation

1. Identify and understand irritant plants

Knowledge, although old, is the first step to prevention. By your garden and learn which plants have the potential irritation. Understanding their appearance and key characteristics will help from coincidental contact.

2. Don protective clothing

Wear protective clothing when gardening, especially with skin-irritating plants. Long sleeves, pants, gloves, and closed-toe shoes can provide a barrier of protection between your skin and the plants. Wear gloves that are made from rubber or other non-porous materials when working with irritating plants.
Use tools, such as pruning tools, shears, trowels, to avoid physical contact of the hands with the skin-irritating plants. Use well-maintained tools suitable for the work to minimize accidental injury and exposure.

3. Avoid Touching the Face

Avoid touching the face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth, in the garden. The irritant is less likely to spread to these sensitive areas of the hands.

4. Clean Hands and Skin Thoroughly

After you finish gardening, make sure to do a thorough hand cleansing and skin cleaning using soap and tepid water. This should remove most plant saps or oils from the skin. In case the residues are stubborn, you can assume the scrubbing action using a scrub brush so that no irritants are left.

5. Launder Clothing and Tools

Wash garden clothes separately from other laundry to avoid spreading the irritants. Wash tools with soap and water to ensure all plant saps and oils that might have accumulated over time by using them are removed.

6. Barrier or Mulch

Use physical barriers, for example, mulching or landscaping sheet, to control the growth of irritant plants within the garden. This minimizes the chances of accidental contact and eases the task of maintenance.

7. Topical Application

If you are exposed to an irritant plant, wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. Over-the-counter remedies include hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or antihistamines to alleviate itching and cut down on the swelling.

8. Share your knowledge

Spread awareness about such garden plant irritants among family members, especially the children ignorant of the danger involved. Information sharing can prevent unwarranted exposure, and can really contribute to creating a safe gardening environment.

Conclusion

Gardening is really a very pleasant and satisfactory activity, and you have to make yourself aware about certain dangers caused by a few plants. This way, you can enjoy your garden safely, taking precautions with a wide variety of common garden plant irritants, and not be discomforted during or afterwards. Appropriate protective clothing, including gloves, good gardening tools, and proper washing after gardening, will reduce the possibilities of skin irritation. With these measures, you can continue to cultivate in your green space, protecting your skin from harmful reactions.