Abstract
Exposure to giant hogweed brings about the risk of serious skin damage, usually in the form of phytophotodermatitis. Initially, skin changes are signaled by a burning sensation, followed by a vesiculobullous rash and long-term hyperpigmentation. Usually, skin disorders improve after the application of topical and oral corticosteroids. In extremely rare instances, full skin thickness burns or epidermal necrosis occur. The study presents a case of occupational exposure to hogweed, which resulted in extensive skin lesions leading to the disablement of a 27-year-old man. The principles of procedure to be followed when contact with giant hogweed is an occupational hazard are also outlined.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Nielsen C, Ravn HP, Nentwig W, Wade M. The Giant Hogweed Best Practice Manual, Guidelines for the management and control of invasive weed in Europe. Hoersholm: Forest & Landscape Denmark; 2005.
Kabuce N, Priede N. NOBANIS [Internet] Invasive Alien Species Fact Sheet — Heracleum sosnowskyi, Online database of the North European and Baltic Network on Invasive Alien Species — NOBANIS; 2010 [cited 2013 Feb 11]. Available from: http://www.nobanis.org.
Page NA, Wall RE, Darbyshire SJ, Muligan GAS. The biology of invasive alien plants in Canada 4. Heracleum mantegazzianum. Can J Plant Sci. 2006;86:569–589.
Pira E, Romano C, Sulotto F, Pavan I, Monaco I. Heracleum mantegazzianum growth phases and furocoumarin content. Cont Derm. 2006;21:300–303, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.1989.tb04747.x.
Zobel AM, Brown SA. Seasonal changes of furanocoumarin concentrations in leaves of Heracleum lanatum. J Chem Ecol. 1990;16:1623–1634, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01014095.
Karimian-Teherani D, Kinaciyan T, Tanew A. Photoallergic contact dermatitis to Heracleum giganteum. Photoderm Photoimm Photomed. 2008;24:99–101, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0781.2008.00346.x.
Lagey K, Duinslaeger L, Vanderkelen A. Burns induced by plants. Burns. 1995;2:542–543, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/03054179(95)00026-8.
Chan JCY, Sullivan PJ, O’Sullivan MJ, Eadie PA. Full thickness burn caused by exposure to giant hogweed: Delayed presentation, histological features and surgical management. J of Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery 2011;64:128–130, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2010.03.030.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
About this article
Cite this article
Klimaszyk, P., Klimaszyk, D., Piotrowiak, M. et al. Unusual complications after occupational exposure to giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum): A case report. IJOMEH 27, 141–144 (2014). https://doi.org/10.2478/s13382-014-0238-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/s13382-014-0238-z