Giant Hogweed: The role of burns professionals in public health awareness and strategies to prevent burns
Published Date: 04th May 2022
Publication Authors: Ebbs S, Cappuyns L, Giannopoulos I, Mandal A, Gurusinghe D, Shokrollahi K
Poster presentation for the BBA Annual Meeting, May 2022. Full conference programme available here: https://www.britishburnassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BBA-Bristol-4-6.5.22-Full-Programme-.pdf
Introduction
A number of plants and other naturally occurring substances have been shown to cause skin irritation or cutaneous chemical burns. In many of these cases the process thought to be responsible is phytophotodermatitis which is an adverse skin reaction occurring when phytotoxic compounds in plant sap are activated by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum Mantegazzianum), also called cartwheel flower or giant cow parsnip(Figure 1), is known to cause this type of adverse skin reaction.
Methods
- We present our recent experience with a case of full thickness burns from Giant Hogweed exposure.
- We conducted a survey amongst burn professionals by showing them a photograph of the Giant hogweed and asking them to identify the plant and its significance to medical practice.
- We conducted a web search on available online published information factsheets and media reports on Giant Hogweed.
- We brainstormed additional recommendations for raising public health awareness.
Conclusion
Our case emphasises the on-going public health risk from Giant Hogweed. The results of our survey demonstrated low awareness amongst burn professionals who would be at the forefront of treating burns following exposure to the plant. It is likely that general public awareness would be even poorer. This study has allowed us to generate correspondence with the local councils of relevant geographic areas emphasising the ongoing risks and suggestions for increased public awareness. The plastic surgery training and exam syllabus may benefit from a minor update.
Ebbs, S; Cappuyns, L; Giannopoulos, I; Mandal, A; Gurusinghe, D; Shokrollahi, K. (2022). Giant Hogweed: The role of burns professionals in public health awareness and strategies to prevent burns. Conference poster from British Burns Association Annual Meeting, 4th-6th May 2022.
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