Children have been warned of the dangers of Giant Hogweed plants after a schoolgirl was left hospitalised with second degree burns.
The four-year-old was playing in a park when she came into contact with the wild flowering plant.
She was rushed to the local hospital after being left severely blistered after touching what is regarded to be one of the UK’s most dangerous plants.
The girl’s school have sent out a warning of the risks to parents and children, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Hardy Mill Primary School in Bolton, Greater Manchester, said in a statement: “One of our children has sadly been in contact with this plant over the half term break and ended up at the hospital with second degree burns.
“Please look out for this plant in your garden and when our and about with your children.”
Giant Hogweed generally grows by lowland rivers and can reach more than 10 feet in height.
The chemicals inside the sap can cause photodermatitis or photosensitivity - which can result in the skin becoming very sensitive to sunlight.
Coming into contact with the invasive plant may cause blistering, pigmentation and long lasting scars.
It grows in Scotland and across the UK.
The Woodland Trust advises anyone who touches Giant Hogweed to wash the area thoroughly immediate.
They should also seek medical advice, and should not expose the area to sunlight for the next few days.
Dr Peter Fitzsimons, technical manager of the Property Care Association’s Invasive Weed Control Group, said: “Youngsters are more likely to come into contact with the plant during the summertime and the mix of warm weather and rain has provided good conditions for the weed to take hold this year.
"Giant Hogweed is also spreading across a wider area, meaning that people are more likely to encounter it.
"If anyone comes into contact with any part of the plant, followed by exposure to sunlight, they can sustain severe blistering to the skin and discomfort, and this reaction can recur for many years.
"The general public, as well as local authorities, statutory agencies and landowners on whose property people can come into contact with the plant, should be aware of the risks and Giant Hogweed needs to be controlled and managed professionally.”
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