Hogweed is one of the most dangerous plants. There are several dozen of its species. Some of them are decorative, others edible, but most of them cause harm to humans. A burn from a hogweed can be so extensive that there will be a threat to life and health. It is very important to provide first aid to the victim of this burning plant on time.
Beware of the insidious enemy
Hogweed can be recognized by its impressive size. There is an opinion that it was brought in from the USA in the 1940s specifically for the purpose of obtaining fodder mass for cows. The culture took root, but it was of little use. Cow's milk began to be bitter, and the heat treatment of this plant required additional labor and financial costs. The plant grows unusually quickly, reaching a height of 3-4 meters. This giant sprouts from root branches and sows seeds. In one season, they can fall to the ground up to 6 thousand from one plant.
For this reason, hogweed appeared in many parts of central Russia. Burns from him alone are not too painful and do not appear in the first minutes. But they cause a powerful skin lesion when exposed to ultraviolet rays. There are frequent cases when a burn from a hogweed is rated from I to III degree.
And this insidious enemy grows next to us - in open wastelands, abandoned fields, in old parks, neglected garden plots, cemeteries. If you notice a plant in your summer cottage, then get rid of it immediately.
What is a burn from a hogweed
The best preventative measure will not be at all suitable for this plant. As already mentioned, hogweed can be recognized by its large size. Its umbrellas are similar to dill and a pungent smell emanates from them. Already at a distance of 4-5 meters you can feel it. Never touch it with an unprotected part of the body. The juice of the plant contains furocoumarins - substances that enhance the action of ultraviolet rays.
Further exposure to the sun causes pain, redness, blisters. In no case should you open them yourself.
Serous fluid from the blisters is extremely toxic and causes damage to healthy skin. A burn from a cow parsnip is dangerous because in case of improper action or inaction, complications begin.
Hogweed burns: how to treat
Actions to be taken:
- Rinse the place with water for 10-15 minutes.
- Spread the affected area with alcohol, furatsilinom or manganese solution.
- Wear clothing that protects the burn site from sunlight.
- For allergic edema, take an antihistamine that is sold freely in the pharmacy.
- If bubbles appear, do not smear them with oil, kefir, sour cream. Do not use any other methods of traditional medicine.
- Do not pierce blisters on your own. Surgeons must do this to prevent the progression of skin lesions.
- Apply a clean haze dressing and seek medical attention, remembering to describe the plant that caused you problems.