Case Details
Skin burn/insect bite
Submitted by Kerri Ison on 5/23/2012
A client presented a "skin burn" after working in flower bed planting marigold and lobelia. She took a hose from garage and was feeding through the flower bed and rec'd this "burn" on her forearm. She indicated the center was initially white then turned very red and welted. Did not blister and seems similar to a skin burn. Exacerbated by sun. I suggest an insect bite but she said she didn't feel anything like a bite or sting. She is concerned about going back into the flowerbed. Does anyone know about any plant that could potentially cause such an injury -- or insect?
Thanks for any help you can give. Photo attached of affected area.
Reply by Phil Pellitteri on 5/24/2012
Keri
I do not know of a insect bite- I have seen a similar injury if a blister beetle was crushed on the skin- the body fluids could do something similar but this is a 1/2 inch long insect and would not expect you could crush it without knowing it. The other choice is an odd chemical burn if there was something on the hose??
Phil
Reply by Barbara A. Larson on 5/24/2012
Wild parsnip will cause a burn which is exacerbated by sunlight. Mild exposure (light brushing of leaves) leads to a sunburn-like reddening of the skin. More contact will cause blistering.
Reply by Kerri Ison on 5/25/2012
Thank you Phil and Barbara. When asked about chemicals they are not used as the landlord has free range chickens. The affected area has now turned into a bacterial infection.
