title: Unusual complications after occupational exposure to giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum): a case report.
abstract: Exposure to giant hogweed brings about the risk of serious skin damage, usually in the form of phytophotodermatitis. Initially, skin changes are signaled by a burning sensation, followed by a vesiculobullous rash and long-term hyperpigmentation. Usually, skin disorders improve after the application of topical and oral corticosteroids. In extremely rare instances, full skin thickness burns or epidermal necrosis occur. The study presents a case of occupational exposure to hogweed, which resulted in extensive skin lesions leading to the disablement of a 27-year-old man. The principles of procedure to be followed when contact with giant hogweed is an occupational hazard are also outlined.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland, pklim@amu.edu.pl.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Klimaszyk
authors.forename: Dorota
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Klimaszyk
authors.forename: Michał
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Piotrowiak
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Popiołek
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications*; D017484:Dermatitis, Phototoxic / Q000150:complications*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced*; D030002:Heracleum / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D007868:Leg Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000601:surgery; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*