Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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Thursday - October 20, 2011
From: cha, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Lantana induced rash
Answered by: Anne Ruggles
QUESTION:
What should I use for a rash caused by a Lantana scratch on my armANSWER:
The genus Lantana (commonly known as lantana) includes more than 150 species of hairy-leaved and often prickly-stemmed shrubs and herbaceous perennials in the verbena family (Verbenaceae) that are native to tropical America. The hairs on the leaves can cause contact dermatitis (usually minor skin irritation) in some people. The berries are poisonous to people and animals.
The University of North Carolina has a complete description of Lantana and a key to the poisonous plants of North Carolina.
The Texas Poison Control Center lists the plant as poisonous and an irritant on contact and recommend that anyone encountering a problem call their hot line for more information.
The Mayo Clinic has directions for treatment of contact dermatitis. They further recommend, as you have no doubt already figured out, avoiding contact by complete avoidance or wearing gloves and long-sleeved shirt when handling the plant.
The National Health Service of the United Kingdom also has a series of recommendations for treating contact dermatitis.
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