UNION, Iowa – In the summertime, many families choose to spend their days outdoors, exploring the wilderness.
However, experts are warning hikers to be on the lookout for a poisonous plant that could send you to the emergency room.
You probably know to avoid poison ivy, but a plant that is growing across the country is causing the Department of Natural Resources to warn hikers.
Wild Parsnip is a poisonous weed that grows in nearly all 50 states and looks like a dill plant or Queen Anne’s lace.
Its yellow appearance can seem harmless, but when it comes in contact with skin and sunlight, it can cause a rash that is similar to severe burns.
Wendy Prusha came in contact with the plant while she was working in her yard.
The rash she developed sent her to the emergency room.
“It’s a constant burning. It just bubbled up overnight,” she said. “The oils sit on your skin, it’s a constant burning and it eats away your skin.”
If you come in contact with the weed, immediately rinse your skin with dishwashing soap and apply a wet compress or hydrocortisone cream.
Experts also suggest scrubbing under your nails with a brush to prevent spreading the rash.
