Here's something we learned today after seeing local children with a rash from handling the spurge (Euphorbia -- photo above) growing wild in their yard, as it does in many places in Concord. They had an intense red rash on their faces. They had thought the milky white sap from a plant in their yard would be fun to put in their brother's face as a "beauty cream." The "beauticians" apparently touched their own faces during the "treatment" and also had rashes.Upon checking with our old friend Google, it turns out ALL types of Euphorbia will cause rashes. It's not just the sap alone, but the effects of sun exposure on the skin that has been exposed to the sap.
Of particular note is to NOT get the milky white sap/latex in the eyes as it can cause them serious injury. This can come about if the plant stem or root is broken and spurts latex, or if it gets on the hands and then the eyes are rubbed. Since the reaction isn't instantaneous (often appearing hours later), people may not be aware of their exposure, and easily spread the sap to their eyes.
Some report this rash can blister, and also cause itching or hurting very intensely -- the kids did not report such, happily.
We do enjoy seeing this plant in bloom during the spring, but handling it we will be much more careful now!
