It can trigger these allergies

Dermatitis threatens on contact

The orchid does not immediately come to mind when looking for triggers for an allergy. Nonetheless, the multi-faceted genre also counts Primroses, Tulips or Chrysanthemums, one of the usual suspects on the list. The focus is on the 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 swellings form
• The skin becomes wet or flaky

Experience has shown that the first symptoms do not appear immediately, but only become apparent after 48 to 72 hours. This fact complicates the root cause analysis. If a wilted flower is cleaned out in passing or a drawn-in leaf cut off, the busy hobby gardener is no longer aware of this routine move the next day.

Sniffing flowers is harmless

Good to know that you can enjoy the bewitching scent of your most beautiful orchids without a care in the world. 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 from polluter come into question, such as azaleas, daisies or chrysanthemums. Their pollen cause a runny nose, sneezing and breathing difficulties.

Prevention tips

Home gardeners who are prone to other allergies avoid unpleasant skin irritations when they do all work around the care wear protective gloves for your orchids. This is especially true if you are cutting dead leaves, shoots or bulbs. Even if only a single, withered air root needs to be removed, you should not be without gloves.