Hogweed warning: horror photos of huge blisters

Coming into contact with the vegetation can cause agonies pain, including massive blisters, a fact which will be of concern to parents as their children take to the great outdoors during the

summer heatwave. Giant Hogweed, or Heracleum mantegazzianum, is a weed which can grow up to five metres tall. Its sap contains toxic chemicals which react with light which, when they come

into in contact with human skin, triggering blistering within 48 hours. The chemical works by preventing the skin from protecting itself from sunlight, which can result in severe sunburn and

scarring and even - if it comes into contact with the eyes - blindness. Doctors advise anyone affected to cover the affected area, and wash it with soap and water. The blisters take a long

time to hear and can develop into phytophotodermatitis, a skin rash which flares up in sunlight. In the past children have been hospitalised and have suffered third-degree burns. The severe

reaction is caused by a substance called furanocomarin, which is in contained in the plant’s leaves, seeds, flowers, stems and roots. The chemicals enter the cells’ nucleus and bond with

DNA, causing cells to die. Removal of hogweed is classed as priority for local councils in the UK, with the plant classified as an “invasive alien”. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

requires people living on a property infested by the weed to remove it or face penalties. Anyone removing giant hogweed is advised to wear covers to their arms, hands, and head to prevent

exposure. Even plant debris can be particularly dangerous, because the sap can spill from parts of the plant which have been cut down. The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural

Affairs said: “Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an invasive non-native species with established populations in the UK. “It was initially introduced as an ornamental garden plant

and was first identified in the wild in 1828. “Giant Hogweed is highly invasive and has spread throughout the whole of Great Britain, primarily favouring river banks but also other areas

such as parks, cemeteries and wasteland. “We advise members of the public not to go near it because the sap of giant hogweed contains toxic chemicals. “Giant hogweed can sometimes be

confused with other plant species while it is still growing, however, when fully grown, it can reach 5m in height and becomes easily identifiable.” Information to help identify giant hogweed

can be found on the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat website.