Spring flowers are always a breath of fresh air after a winter of dark, dreary colors. There’s nothing more delightful than the bright yellow of daffodils, the blue-purple of grape hyacinths, or bright red tulips.
Of course, if you want to enjoy spring flowers, you need to get bulbs in the ground in the fall. But before you pick up your spade, you’ll want to arm yourself for battle. What do I mean?
Quite a few common flower bulbs contain irritants that can leave your skin red and itchy, or worse, in some cases, with blistering or hives.
When planting spring bulbs this fall, make sure you know what you’re handling and how to protect yourself. Like with all allergic reactions, some people may experience more severe reactions, and others may experience none at all. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common culprits and the best way to avoid a case of “Tulip Fingers.”
The Culprits: Bulbs That Can Irritate Your Skin
Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
Irritant: Tulip bulbs contain compounds called tulipalin and tuliposide, which can cause irritation and allergic reactions. The entire plant is toxic, but the highest concentration of these compounds is in the bulb.
Symptoms: Handling tulip bulbs may lead to redness, itching, and rashes on the skin. This irritating condition is commonly known as “tulip fingers.” Some people may also experience more severe reactions, such as hives.
Daffodils & other Narcissus (Narcissus spp.)
Irritant: Daffodils contain lycorine, an alkaloid that can be toxic and cause skin irritations, and Amaryllidaceous alkaloids, substances that keep bugs and other critters from munching on them but can be harmful to your skin. The bulb and the mature flower also contain oxalates, tiny crystals that make the plant toxic if ingested.
Symptoms: Contact with daffodil bulbs can cause redness, itching and even small blisters (dermatitis), leading to symptoms like burning, itching and inflammation. Keep this in mind when planting your Christmas paperwhites.
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus spp.)
Irritant: The bulb and sap of hyacinths contain similar compounds that can irritate the skin.
Symptoms: Handling hyacinth bulbs may result in itching, rashes, and even blistering in some people.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
(Okay, I know, this one isn’t a bulb, but if you’re planting it this fall, you still need to wear gloves.)
Irritant: This plant contains compounds that can be toxic, including convallatoxin.
Symptoms: Skin contact can lead to itching, redness and hives.
What Causes the Itch and Burn?
It’s one thing to know the names of the irritating compounds found in each of these bulbs. It’s another to understand what’s going on in your body. The irritants found in these bulbs are alkaloid glycosides. These naturally occurring compounds are part of the plant’s defense system, which prevents insects and animals from eating the plant. Sometimes, we get in the way.
(It’s not fair when we’re only trying to make sure they get a good chance at growing.)
We have a natural acid mantel on our skin that protects us from everyday harsh irritants. Unfortunately, the compounds in these plants can damage or penetrate that barrier. Boom – suddenly, you’re all itchy or broken out with hives.
Also, keep in mind that most of these flowers are toxic once grown, as well. If you use them as cut flowers, you may wish to wear gloves when handling them.
Protecting Yourself While Gardening
If you’ve been planting bulbs for some time now, it’s likely you already know if you will have a reaction and to which type of bulb. However, it’s still wise to wear protective clothing. For those who are planting bulbs for the first time or if you’re planting something you’ve never handled before, it’s especially important for you to protect your hands.
Wear Protective Gear
Always wear gloves when handling bulbs. Choose thick, rubberized gloves that provide a barrier against irritants. (Avoid leather gloves, as they are harder to wash.) Long sleeves and pants can further protect your skin from any accidental contact. Avoid touching your face or eyes while working. And by all means, don’t go tip-toeing through the tulips unless you’ve got shoes on.
Garden in Dry Conditions
Moisture can make it easier for the irritants to penetrate your skin, so try to plant your bulbs when it’s dry when possible. If you can’t, it’s a good idea to have several pairs of gloves ready so you can switch them as the gloves get wet and saturated.
Wash Your Hands and Tools
Once you’re finished, rinse your gardening tools off with water and let them air dry. Wash your gloves as well. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water, even if you wore gloves.
Know Your Allergies!
If you have a history of allergies, consult with your allergist or primary physician before handling these bulbs.
What to Do if Your Skin Becomes Irritated
Okay, you did everything you were supposed to (or you forgot to), and now you’ve got itchy, red skin anyway. What should you do? Here are some steps to alleviate your discomfort. Naturally, you should seek medical attention if the reaction is severe or doesn’t clear up within a day or two.:
- Wash the Area Immediately: Use soap and water to wash the affected area as soon as you notice irritation. This helps remove any irritants that might still be on your skin.
- Apply a Cold Compress: To reduce swelling and soothe itching, apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
- Use Over-the-Counter Creams: Hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine creams can help alleviate itching and inflammation. Be sure to follow the product instructions for use.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention. You may need prescription medication or further treatment if the reaction is severe.
- No Scratching: As tempting as it may be, scratching can cause your reaction to worsen, and you can introduce bacteria and germs to the site, which can lead to infection.
Go Plant Some Bulbs
Naturally, if you’re still reading, you might be a little freaked out and find yourself giving that bag of tulips the side-eye. Just go plant them. Yes, some people can have severe reactions to handling these bulbs, but the majority of folks will plant them without noticing a thing. We’ve been cultivating and planting beautiful spring bulbs for millennia, most of us without ill effect; don’t stop enjoying them now.
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