The breathtaking splendor of flowers from the rainforest definitely has its pitfalls. Orchids are one of the more than 300 plant species that can trigger an allergy. Read here which symptoms you can use to recognize the disease.
Orchids can cause allergies when touched
Contact threatens dermatitis
The orchid does not immediately come to mind when looking for allergy triggers. Nevertheless, the multifaceted genus is one of the usual suspects on the list, along with primroses, tulips and chrysanthemums. The focus is on the plant sap, which can cause these common symptoms if it comes into direct contact with the skin:
- The skin itches and burns in the affected areas
- In the further course, pustules, redness and swelling form
- The skin weeps or flakes
Experience has shown that the first symptoms do not appear immediately, but only appear after 48 to 72 hours. This circumstance complicates the root cause analysis. If a withered flower is cleaned up in passing or a dead leaf is cut off, the busy hobby gardener is no longer aware of this routine action the next day.
Sniffing flowers is harmless
It's good to know that you can enjoy the beguiling scent of your most beautiful orchids carefree. The tropical flower is only assigned to the triggers for contact allergies. If you suffer from symptoms of a pollen allergy, other types of plants can be the cause, such as azaleas, daisies or chrysanthemums. Their pollen causes a runny nose, sneezing and breathing difficulties.
Prevention Tips
Home gardeners with other allergies can avoid unpleasant skin irritations by wearing protective gloves when caring for their orchids. This is especially true when you cut dead leaves, shoots or bulbs. Even if you only have to remove a single, withered aerial root, you should not do without gloves.
tips
Are the nagging symptoms of an orchid allergy not going away even though you've banned all plants from the house? Then please subject all cosmetics in the household to a thorough examination. The ongoing eco and wellness boom has led to numerous creams, lotions and shampoos containing extracts from orchids and other plants. Although propagated as harmless, the potential of an allergy-triggering effect lies dormant in these ingredients.