Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS

Common Plants to Watch Out for that Can Give You a Skin Rash

I am fair skinned. Because it’s light in color, my skin practically refuses to tan because it’s too busy freckling and burning when it’s exposed to a couple hours of the sun. When it comes to plants, like many other people, I know to run from Poison Ivy and its rash-causing cousins when I spot them. These are the fellas that usually get the bad rap for causing itchy, blistery, oozing rashes. But, did you know there are other plants that are guilty of causing skin problems as well? Read this informative article and find out the common plants to watch out for that can give you a skin rash!

The Three Most Common Types of Plant Rashes
Anytime you touch a plant and end up with a rash, this problem is commonly called, “Plant Dermatitis.” Sometimes, depending on how allergic or sensitive your skin is, you don’t even have to touch the actual plant. You may just rub against it with your shirt sleeve or pantleg and end up with sap or oil on your clothing. When you touch the allergen, a rash may develop.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD)
If you’re allergic to a certain type of plant, and you touch it, the rash that can follow is commonly known as, “Allergic Contact Dermatitis.” The rash can appear in as little as a few hours. Or, it may take up to 3 days to show up after you’ve made contact with the plant.

The severity of the rash will depend on how allergic your body is to the plant. You may see a mild, pink-to-red-color, itchy rash. Or, you may see bright red, itchy skin with watery blisters and open sores on your skin. You may also experience hives or welts.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD)
If you have sensitive skin, and you handle prickly plants, then you may get a rash that’s called, “Irritant Contact Dermatitis.” This rash is usually tiny pink-to-red bumps that itch, and may even burn. Fortunately, this plant-induced rash can be a temporary condition that clears up quickly.

Phytophotodermatitis (PPD)
This rash is the most unusual because it happens due to two factors- a plant and sunlight. Whenever you come in contact with a certain plant that is light-sensitizing, and then the affected skin is subjected to sunlight, a rash can develop.

This rash can typically develop about 24 hours after you’ve been exposed to the plant and the sunlight. Just like other skin irritations, the rash may be mild-to-severe. The affected skin usually turns red and inflamed. The rash may burn. The rash may itch, and blisters may appear. Your skin may also peel.

Note: The descriptions of these rashes are not all-inclusive. The specific rash you may get depends on the plant, your skin type, the length of contact, your immunity system, and many other factors.

Common Plants to Watch Out for That Can Give You a Skin Rash

1. Poison Ivy

2. Poison Oak

3. Poison Sumac

4. Sunflower

5. Virginia Creeper

6. Okra

7. Stinging Nettle

8. Celery

9. Wild Parsnip

10. Giant Hogweed

11. Rutaceae

12. Daisy

13. Pumpkins

14. Chrysanthemum

15. English Ivy

16. Cucumbers

17. Tomatoes

18. Sweet Marjoram

19. Sweet Alyssum

21. Rhubarb

22. Hollyhocks

23. Asparagus

24. Beans

25. Buttercups

Note: Mild skin rashes can develop from plants like tomatoes, squash and cucumbers, for example, simply because the plants/and or leaves are prickly and can irritate your skin.

Conclusion
Now when you go outside and work in your flower or vegetable garden, or work anywhere around plants like the ones mentioned above, you’ll know you may be at risk at getting skin rashes. Your risk is higher, of course, if you have fair or sensitive skin.