Wild Parsnip: Omaha's Pretty, But Toxic, Flower

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is an invasive plant found in abundance in Omaha, especially during the warmer months. While it may look harmless, and even beautiful, this plant can cause severe skin reactions that can cause discomfort, blisters, and long-lasting skin damage if left untreated. Let’s take a closer look at what causes these rashes, how to identify wild parsnip, and when it’s time to seek medical treatment.

What Causes A Wild Parsnip Rash?

Wild parsnip contains a chemical compound known as psoralen, which is found in its sap. When the sap comes into contact with your skin and is then exposed to sunlight, it can trigger a severe skin reaction called phytophotodermatitis. You may accidentally touch the sap while walking through the plants wearing shorts, sitting on them, crushing them with a bare foot, or innocently picking the flowers.  

What Does a Wild Parsnip Rash Look Like?

Wild parsnip rash typically starts as a red, swollen, and painful area on the skin. Over time, it may develop into blisters and dark pigmentation as the burn continues to react to sunlight. The rash may appear in irregular patches, and it is often accompanied by intense itching or burning sensations. In some cases, the affected area may scab over as it heals.

The rash from wild parsnip can be severe, forming painful blisters and scabs that are more like a burn. Image courtesy of abc13.com. 

Poison Ivy Rash vs. Wild Parsnip Rash

Both poison ivy and wild parsnip can cause unpleasant skin reactions, but the cause, appearance, and timing of the rash differ:

1. Cause

• Unlike wild parsnip, whose rash is caused by psoralens within the sap and triggered by sun exposure, poison ivy rash is caused by contact with the oil called urushiol. This is not found in the sap, but in the roots, stems, and leaves. The rash is caused by an allergic reaction to urushiol, not sun exposure.  

  
  

2. Symptoms

• The appearance of poison ivy rash can be similar to that of wild parsnip. It typically shows up as red, itchy bumps or blisters that may develop into a linear pattern (matching the shape of where the plant brushed against the skin). It can cause swelling and oozing in some cases. Wild parsnip can also cause redness and blistering, but it is often more severe and painful than poison ivy rash and persists longer without treatment. 

  
  

3. Timing

• Poison Ivy: The rash usually appears 12 to 48 hours after contact with the plant. It often worsens in the first few days but then begins to heal after about 1–2 weeks.

• Wild Parsnip: The rash may take several hours to a day to appear after contact. The severity of the rash is often linked to exposure to sunlight, so the rash might continue to worsen after the initial contact if the affected skin is exposed to sunlight.

  
  

4. Treatment

• Luckily, the treatment for both wild parsnip and poison ivy is the same. It usually involves topical corticosteroids, calamine lotion, and antihistamines to reduce itching. In severe cases, oral steroids may be necessary.

  
  

How to Identify Wild Parsnip

Wild parsnip is commonly found in fields, along roadsides, and in areas with rich soil. 

• Height: Wild parsnip can grow anywhere from 3 to 5 feet tall.

• Leaves: The leaves are large and serrated, resembling those of a celery plant. The stem is hollow, and its base is often purple-spotted.

• Flowers: Wild parsnip produces small, yellowish-green flowers that form large, umbrella-like clusters at the top of the plant.

• Sap: The sap inside the plant is sticky and clear, which contains the harmful psoralen chemical.

  
  

Wild Parsnip vs Wild Carrot

Unfortunately, wild parsnip bears a resemblance to wild carrot, which is not toxic. A key difference is the color of the flowers: wild carrot flowers are bright white with a purple center, and wild parsnips are yellow. Wild carrots also have a hairy stem vs the smooth, hollow one of wild parsnip. 

Wild parsnip is easily distinguished by its umbrella shape and small yellow flowers (greenish in the center). 

Wild carrot, aka Queen Anne’s Lace, is white with a single purple flower in the center. Unlike wild parsnip, this plant is not toxic.

What To Do If You’re Exposed To Wild Parsnip Sap

There’s a chance you can keep the rash from forming by taking a few preventive measures. If you are aware that you’ve been in contact with wild parsnip, remember that sunlight triggers the burns, so do the following:

1. Cover Up Exposed Skin: Cover the area immediately, even before washing it. This helps prevent the sap from reacting with sunlight.

2. Wash Immediately: As soon as possible, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water to remove any sap. The quicker you clean it, the less likely it is to cause a rash.

3. Stay Out of the Sun: Even if you've washed the area, avoid exposing it to sunlight for at least 48 hours.

4. Apply Sunscreen: If you have to be outside after exposure and the area cannot be covered for some reason, apply a high-SPF sunscreen to the affected areas. While it won’t completely eliminate the risk, it can help reduce the chances of a reaction.

   
   

Can You Treat Wild Parsnip Rash at Home?

Mild cases of wild parsnip rash may be treated at home with some basic first aid measures:

• Clean the Area: Wash the skin thoroughly with soap and cool water to remove any remaining sap.

• Cool Compresses: Apply cool compresses to the affected area to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.

• Aloe Vera Gel or Calamine Lotion: These can help to ease the burning or itching sensation.

• Over-the-counter Pain Relief: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort and swelling.

• Avoid Sun Exposure: The most important step is to avoid sun exposure, as it can worsen the rash and delay healing.

  
  

When Should You Seek Medical Treatment For A Wild Parsnip Rash?

Unfortunately, most people are unaware they’ve even come in contact with wild parsnip sap until the rash becomes severe and warrants medical attention. Go to urgent care right away if:

• The rash is very painful with large blisters or intense swelling.

• The rash shows signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus.

• You experience difficulty breathing, swelling in the face, or other signs of an allergic reaction (go to an Emergency Room, not Urgent Care if you suspect anaphylaxis).

• The rash persists for more than a few days without improvement.The burn affects large areas of your skin or is particularly sensitive, like on your face or genitals.

  
  

Fast Rash Treatment At Our Omaha Urgent Care Clinic

Our Urgent Care Clinic in Omaha is equipped to treat wild parsnip rash and other skin ailments quickly and effectively. If you experience a severe rash or burn, our team can provide medical treatments, such as prescription ointments, pain management, and advice on how to care for the affected area.