 Overview
Poison Parsnip (also known as Wild Parsnip) looks similar to hemlock and is found in open
places along roadsides and in waste places throughout the United States and
Canada.
This plant produces a compound that causes
severe blistering and discoloration after being exposed to sunlight -- a
condition known as photodermatitis. That is,
when the skin comes in contact with this plant's juice and then is exposed to UV
light, a severe burn develops.
Everyone can get burned by wild
parsnip. Unlike poison ivy, you don't need to be sensitized by a prior
exposure. However, wild parsnip is only dangerous when the juice
from broken leaves or stems gets on your skin -- therefore, you can touch and
brush against the undamaged plant without any danger.
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Preventing Encounters with These Plants
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Know
what these common plants look like and avoid them.
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Wear
long pants and socks in areas where these plants may be present.
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Don't
touch anything that has come in contact with the sap of these plants, including
clothing, work gloves, pets, etc. There may be sap still present
that can affect you.
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Symptoms
Burns from wild parsnip are usually
misdiagnosed as poison ivy. In mild cases, affected skin reddens and
feels sunburned. In more severe cases, the skin reddens first, then
blisters. The blisters appear a day or two after sun exposure.
Wild parsnip's burn is usually less
irritating than poison ivy's itch. Generally, wild parsnip causes a modest
burning pain for a day or two, and then the worst is over whereas the itch and
discomfort from poison ivy drives people crazy for a long time.
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Treatment
See a doctor. He or she may prescribe
Ibuprophen for help with swelling and
pain. The burned area can be covered with a cool, wet cloth. If
blisters are present, do not pop them. If the blisters rupture, leave the
skin "bandage" in place. To avoid infection, keep the area clean
and apply an antibiotic cream.
Adding Domeboro powder to cool cloth compresses can
help dry any of the weeping blisters. Some doctors recommend a topical or
systemic cortisone-steroid for extreme discomfort. See a doctor for
serious cases.
Washing with Fels-Naptha soap will not help.
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