I want to pass this warning on to as many people as I possibly can. The original email read (some emphasis added and typos corrected):
I wanted to take a moment to write to you to tell you our county is now completely covered with wild parsnip plants and these plants are very dangerous. Unfortunately very few people know about them. I feel it is urgent that you be aware of these plants so that you may effectively treat your patients and also educate your community too.In the beginning paragraph I have linked to Wild Parsnip on Wikipedia. Please read the paragraph titled Dangers.
Wild Parsnip causes phytophotodermatitis to the skin. When plant juices come in contact with the skin nothing happens but when this same skin is exposed to sunlight a rash with significant blistering can occur. The skin discoloration and sun sensitivity from this plant can last months, even years.
Please familiarize yourself with this plant as it truly has taken over our county and the accompanying burns will most likely be something you will be seeing more and more of in your practice.
And here are examples of what Wild Parsnip looks like:
"Harmless" little plant... |
... with nice leaves and ... |
... many of these plants by the roadside can actually look quite nice! |
But the rash and the blisters show the plant's ugly side! |
As usual I welcome comments and suggestions right here in the blog. Thank you in advance.
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