Giant Hogweed

Flying Abruptly

Just looking for opinions on Giant Hogweed.

I was unfortunate enough to come into exposure of some freshly cut stuff around May 2006 when I was out running along a river in Limerick.

Since then I've had an outbreak of the associated rash about 6 times, but 3 times in the last 2 years after exposure to strong sun. Sitting in front of the PC at the moment arms covered in a red blistering rash.

Has anyone with some experience of the same, know how long it stays in your system? I've been searching online and most articles say around 6 years but I'm into my 9th!

HelgaWard

Just came across your post because my hubby was unfortunate enough run near giant hogweed and his legs are currently destroyed. It's very upsetting to hear this is still effecting you so long after the initial contact. I was just wondering how have you got on since your post. Do you have to keep the effected areas covered and UV protected all the time? Thanks.

Flying Abruptly

Sorry to hear of your husbands problems with this also. Unfortunately its still a problem for me, but I don't get severe reactions like before due to being much more careful now as I minimise my exposure to the sun for any extended length of time, and cover up when its unavoidable (driving, running, hiking, etc.). I'm not brave enough to "test" exposing myself to see how bad it still is as its not worth the suffering.

I was living abroad for the last couple of years where the levels of UV were much higher and it was a constant worry. I have now moved back to Ireland and one of my main reasons was the less sunnier climate here. With the recent spell of good weather I did notice a slight rash/reddening but nothing bad as I have tried to be careful.

Wheety

I don't envy you. I was only reading about this stuff recently. Sone serious pictures on the Internet of the effect.

Flying Abruptly

As a piece of advice, if he hasn't already done so, go to a doctor / dermatologist straight away and although its not nice, do take photos of the reaction. I couldn't get a dermatologist appointment straight away and the rash had gone by the time I eventually did but I never had photos to show the scale of the reaction. Even though I visited a number of different specialists, I always got the feeling that they never accepted that the Giant Hogweed was the cause of my problem.

HelgaWard

Thanks very much for your response. We went to a vhi clinic and a nurse there recognised it straight away as she has come into contact with it previously. I've read him your posts, it's good to be forewarned anout how important avoiding exposure to uv is. Hopefully if he's careful he can avoid any future outbreaks. Thanks for your time & I hope it doesn't effect you too much more.