The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Toxic weed could leave girl scarred
Mother urges people to beware giant hogweed
A three-year-old Dundee girl may suffer from lifelong injuries after being burned by the sap from giant hogweed.
Ruby Duffy, from Woodside, had to go to hospital for treatment after she came into contact with the toxic plant in the city.
The youngster’s fingers were covered in the painful skin lesions, forcing staff at Ninewells Hospital’s paediatric assessment unit to pop them using needles.
Doctors say it could be months before the wounds heal but her right hand may be sensitive to UV light for the rest of her life.
Her mum, Caitlin Duffy, said: “I would really encourage people to keep an eye out for these plants.
“Ruby’s hand is always going to be affected by sunlight, we’ve been told.
“It will likely be sore and itchy for another four months too.
“She’s really struggling with daily activities just now so hopefully it gets better soon.”
Caitlin said the incident probably happened on Monday while they were at Grassy Beach at Stannergate.
The route is a popular walking and cycling path which connects the Port of Dundee and Broughty Ferry.
Athree-year-old girl has suffered potentially lifelong injuries to her hand after touching a toxic plant near a Dundee path.
Ruby Duffy from Woodside in Dundee received hospital treatment for large blisters after picking up giant hogweed from an area at the Grassy Beach.
Medics at Ninewells popped the blisters using needles.
Doctors say it could be months before the wounds fully heal but her right hand, her dominant hand, may be sensitive to UV light for the rest of her life.
Her mum Caitlin Duffy said she “never thought in 100 years” such injuries could be caused by a plant in Scotland and hopes to warn others of the danger.
Giant hogweed was first introduced to Britain in the 19th Century from Asia, and used as an ornamental plant in the gardens of the wealthy.
She said: “I’d heard of hogweed but couldn’t have told you what it looks like.
“The effects have been a real shock. Children are so curious so I’m worried this could happen to others.
“Her hand is always going to be affected by sunlight, we’ve been told.
“It will likely be sore and itchy for another four months too. She’s really struggling with daily activities just now.
“Despite it being quite serious, I actually think she’s been quite lucky.
“Imagine if the weed touched her face.”
Caitlin said the incident likely happened on Monday while her daughter was with her mum at the Stannergate’s Grassy Beach.
The route is a popular walking and cycling path which connects the Port of Dundee and Broughty Ferry.
She said: “My mum said she was picking them from a big overgrown area by the side of the path.
“That is likely why she has such bad injuries.
“It took two days for the blisters to come out but when they did they were made so much worse by the hot weather.
“It got so bad that day we were told she needed to be seen immediately on Wednesday evening at Ninewells.
“She’s been incredibly brave through it all but it’s been a really distressing experience.
“Watching her in so much pain has been really hard.
“The staff were amazing though.
“They were all so kind and patient with her as they tried to figure out what was going on.”
The weed has been described as Britain’s most dangerous plant because of its sap.
According to the Woodland Trust it can reach heights of 5m with single leaves 3m long.
It is believed the sap’s harmful effects, which can affect pets as well as people, are triggered by sunlight.
It should not be confused with the far more common and much smaller hogweed, which is a native British wildflower which does not cause skin irritation.