Mum’s Encounter with ‘Britain’s Most Dangerous Plant’ Leaves Her Hand Covered in Blisters
A shocking incident involving ‘Britain’s most dangerous plant’ has forced a mum to give up work after her hand became covered in painful blisters. Kelly Sherry, 41, experienced irritation on her hand and wrist shortly after taking her dog for a walk in Paisley, Scotland. The following day, her skin broke out in painful blisters, leading the holistic therapist to cancel her appointments for the day. After visiting her doctor, it was revealed that the cause of her irritation was the giant hogweed, whose dangerous sap had affected her without any direct contact.
Kelly explained that there were no visible bloomed hogweed plants, so she assumes that she may have come into contact with the sap while petting another dog or cleaning her own dog after the walk. Around 10 minutes after returning from her walk, she felt an irritating sensation on her wrist and hand, which soon turned red.
The pain intensified throughout the day, feeling like a burning sensation or friction burn. Despite washing the area and applying Bepanthen, the skin continued to burn as if it had been sprayed with hot oil. By the next morning, the blisters had worsened, making it extremely painful for Kelly to move her hand or even have anything touch it.
Kelly’s doctor prescribed antihistamines, steroid cream, and antibiotics to alleviate the reaction caused by the giant hogweed plant. While regular hogweed is a native species in Britain, its invasive cousin, the giant hogweed, poses a dangerous threat. The plant’s sap inhibits the skin’s ability to protect itself from the sun’s rays, resulting in severe burns when exposed to natural light.
Shocking Burns Caused by Dangerous Plant
A woman in Scotland has suffered excruciating burns after coming into contact with a dangerous plant. Kelly Sherry’s blisters initially resembled burns, causing immense pain. The culprit behind her injuries is believed to be the giant hogweed, a plant known for its harmful effects.
Callum Sinclair, project manager at the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative, confirmed that giant hogweed was the likely cause of Kelly’s injuries. He warned that the effects of the plant’s sap can last for years. The blisters may worsen or become itchy and irritable when exposed to sunlight. This means that Kelly may have to keep her skin covered for an extended period of time.
Mrs. Sherry’s blisters have now burst, causing her immense pain. As a complimentary therapist, she is unable to work due to her injuries. She has had to cancel appointments until she fully heals. Mrs. Sherry is now urging others to be cautious around the plant and to seek immediate help if they come into contact with it. She expressed relief that her eyes were not affected, as contact with the plant can cause blindness.
The giant hogweed, originally from the Caucasus region, was introduced to Britain as an ornamental plant in 1817. However, its spread has become uncontrollable. Mike Duddy of the Mersey Basin Rivers Trust has described the giant hogweed as the most dangerous plant in Britain. It is crucial for people to be aware of the dangers posed by this invasive species and to take necessary precautions.
