Euphorbia reaction

elisebutt65

My dad was doing some gardening and got euphorbia juice(milk?) all over his hands. Consequently it now looks like he has elephantiasis!!!

Is there anything out there that can help? Anti-histamines aren't working.

Leif

I used Google to search and it appears that Euphorbia latex is highly toxic and irritating and can cause severe skin irritation. He is lucky it did not get into his eyes. Apparently the swelling will ease, but only after some days, at least for some species. I'd contact a doctor, or even go to accident and emergency, if the pain is severe, as it would be justified, although you do hear horrible stories about long waits.

blossomhill_2

We can't give you medical advcie on here so he must see his own doctor as everyone's reaction variesd - what may subside on one person may be more serious in another

That said, calamine lotion may help keep any itching at bay on his way to the the doc

I have had a euphorbia reaction before but not that extreme - but a lot of poeple are getting extreme reactions to insects this year, like elphantitis/cellulitis, I don't know why, maybe it's the same for plants

PS the antihistamines may actually be working, by keeping it from spreading/affecting other areas, even if not reducing the hands symptoms