Many plants and weeds can cause rashes.
People with sensitive skin may experience skin irritation when touching plant matter without protective equipment, like gloves.
Some plants are more likely to lead to terrible itching than others.
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The poison ivy plant, for example, is well known for causing a painful, itchy rash.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
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Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Plant dermatitis from contact with a rhus tree.Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Plants to Avoid
Certain plants are known for causing allergic reactions and should be avoided whenever possible.
Learning to recognize these plants will help you avoid uncomfortable symptoms.
When urushiol contacts the skin, it causes a rash.
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Other plants that also contain this oil include poison oak and poison sumac.
It’s a good idea to remain cautious even if you believe you’re not affected by urushiol.
If you have never been exposed before, it may take two to three weeks to develop the rash.
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If you’ve had the rash previously, symptoms may appear within a few hours of exposure.
If you’ve never had a poison ivy/oak/sumac rash before, your symptoms will probably last about three weeks.
Treatmenttypically involves waiting things out and managing the intense itching.
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Poison oak and poison ivy look similar since they both have a three-leaf pattern on a stem.
Poison sumac has clusters of leavesusually seven to 13.
Both the leaves and stems have these tiny irritating hairs.
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In late summer, the plant also produces green flowers.
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Babys Breath
These delicate-looking flowers often show up in flower arrangements.
In some people, the sap can also produce black or purple scarring.
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Serious irritation warrants a visit to your healthcare provider.
Once the skin is exposed to hogweed sap, itll be more sensitive to the sun.
This increased sun sensitivity can continue for years.
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Identifying Giant Hogweed
This very tall umbrella-shaped plant is topped with wide flower clusters.
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Symptoms of a Plant Rash
Many rashes have a similar appearance.
A doctors visit is also a good idea if the rash isnt going away or yoususpect infection.
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Signs of a skin infection include redness, swelling, sores, and pus.
You may have other signs, such as a fever, with a rash due to an infection.
Summary
Many plants can cause skin irritation that can lead to a rash.
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Often, treatment involves managing the symptoms until the rash goes away.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison oak, ivy, and sumac: What does the rash look like?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash.
Missouri Department of Conservation.Wood nettle (stinging nettle).
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2016;3(1):48-53. doi:10.17294/2330-0698.1216
Iowa State University.Recognition and avoidance of toxic plants.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Ragweed plants packed with pollen.
Queensland Government.Plumbago (plumbago auriculata).
North Carolina Extension Gardener.Plumbago auriculata.
Texas Capital.Worst flowers and plants for people with allergies.
Minnesota Wildflowers.Gypsophila paniculata (baby’s breath).
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.Health hazards & safety instructions for giant hogweed (with graphic photos).
Ohio State University.Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).
National Insitute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).Poisonous plants: Symptoms and first aid.
