Allergic reactions
Jane McGary (Thu, 22 Jan 2004 21:25:36 PST)
John Bryan wrote:
Has anyone had any other
allergic reactions from handling any other genera? Cheers, John E. Bryan
Unlike Roy Sachs, I have no experience with Alstroemeria reactions, but I
don't get poison oak either! However, I do wear latex gloves when handling
a lot of Colchicum foliage or bulbs, since these are known to be very
toxic. Narcissus sap causes a skin reaction in some people, I believe.
One plant that has caused me problems is Helleborus -- I got dermatitis
from cleaning a lot of seed one year and now wear latex gloves for the purpose.
Arisaema fruits are known to be irritant and should be handled with care.
This is probably true of a lot of aroids.
Jane McGary
Northwestern Oregon