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Michael Taylor, 13, was the victim of an accident after coming into contact with a dangerous plant, giant hogweed. The result: severe burns and huge blisters on his legs. The teenager can no longer expose himself to the sun for a year.
Giant hogweed, a beauty that hides real harm
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a plant that grows during the summer months. It can reach four to five meters in height and has large domes of white flowers. But its beauty should not fool you: it is strictly forbidden to touch it, at the risk of burning your skin upon contact.
This plant has been on the European Union’s list of invasive species of concern since 2017. In France, it is currently present “in a large north-eastern quarter“and in the Alps, according to the Health Safety Agency, called upon by the government to assess the risks in the country. But it”progresses steadily towards the southwest“to climatic conditions”particularly conducive to its establishment“. However, giant hogweed can cause burns from contact with its sap,”even if cases seem rare in France“, according to the ANSES opinion published on Tuesday.
13-year-old English boy burnt on legs
This mishap happened to Michael Taylor, a 13-year-old British boy. He first noticed a rash on his leg on June 24, as reported by Daily Mail. His mother treated him with antihistamines and antiseptic cream, not knowing what exactly it was. Unfortunately for the young man, painful blisters began to form on his legs the next day.
A ban on sun exposure for one year
The boy was taken to a pediatric emergency room where he was treated for his injuries, which were covered with bandages. He was released from the hospital two days later, with antibiotics and a complete ban on exposing his legs to the sun for a year.
Indeed, skin damaged by burns and blisters takes time to heal and will no longer fulfill its role as a barrier against UV rays. The teenager’s legs are vulnerable to the slightest ray, until it heals completely.
A plant whose sap can cause terrible burns
It is important to know that the plant usually grows near waterways and that it is its sap that causes the burns and triggers the appearance of blisters. The sap contains “phototoxic” toxins (which react when exposed to light) that can cause dermatitis and lesions similar to burns, painful and sometimes serious, according to the site.
According to the book “Invasive toxic plants in North-West France“from CBNBL,”The sap of the plant contains furanocoumarins, molecules which are activated by sunlight (photosensitizing substance) and cause lesions of the skin. This becomes red, swollen and large blisters appear after one or two days. These lesions have the appearance of burns which can be serious.“. These photosensitizing substances make the skin so sensitive to sunlight that normal exposure can cause severe burns. If the sap gets into the eyes, there is a risk of blindness.
What is phytophotodermatosis?
Our medical director, Dr. Gérald Kierzek, looks back at this case. “Phytophotodermatosis is an inflammatory skin reaction caused by the combination of three factors:
- Contact with certain plants containing photosensitizing substances such as furocoumarins (psoralens, bergaptens) – this is the case of fig tree sap or of the giant hogweed;
- Exposure to ultraviolet rays (mainly solar);
- A humid environment favoring the diffusion of phototoxic molecules on the skin” explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
“Phytophotodermatosis initially manifests as an erythematous, often vesicular or bullous, pruritic and painful rash, localized to exposed areas. It may be followed by residual hyperpigmentation for several weeks or months.” he adds.
What to do if you are exposed to giant hogweed?
If you see this plant in your garden, it is not recommended to use a lawnmower or brushcutter. Wearing gloves and clothing that covers the entire body and protective glasses are recommended before any operation. Manual uprooting is the most effective way to permanently eliminate these plants, by digging up the upper end of the root using a spade. It will then be necessary to wash the tools and clothing that have been used.
In case of contact with its sap, it is advisable to immediately wash the affected area with soap and cold water; keep the area out of sunlight for at least 48 hours and seek medical attention immediately if you develop a reaction.