Those who like a festive Christmas plant as part of their decorations are being warned that the sap could have some unpleasant effects - including making your hair fall pout.
A doctor has warned that the popular red poinsettia plant should be handled with care if you want to keep your hair.
According to PlymouthLive, leading hair transplant surgeon Dr Bessam Farjo is advising people to take care with poinsettias.
Dr Farjo from the Farjo Hair Institute Clinic in Manchester’s Quay Street, said: "Although the chances are only slight, it is important to be aware that close contact with a poinsettia could potentially encourage hair removal.
"People should always wash their hands if they've been in contact with one. The sap extracted from the plant has a depilatory (hair removal) effect.
"If the sap were to make contact with hair on any part of the body, including the scalp, and is then wiped away it can potentially remove the hair with it.
"This is especially the case if the sap has been on the hair or part of the skin for a considerable amount of time."
The milky sap, or latex, can be readily seen if a poinsettia leaf is broken. It could have a similar effect to commercial creams such as Veet.
Poinsettia sap can also cause a skin rash.
Poinsettias are commonly added to decorations and table displays at this time of year having become associated with Christmas in the 16th century.
The star-shaped leaves represent the Star of Bethlehem.
The plant has been used in central American culture for centuries as a treatment for fever, warts, toothache, vomiting and to encourage lactation.
Though often stated to be highly toxic, the poinsettia is not dangerous to pets or children. Exposure to the plant, even consumption, most often results in no effect, though it can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
70million are sold in the US in the six weeks before Christmas - with one family serving half of the worldwide market.
