Millions of gardeners are putting their green fingers at risk of serious skin disease, new research has revealed.
In a nationwide study of gardeners and growers, despite more than a quarter (28%) suffering from skin conditions such as hand eczema, over two thirds (69%) admitted failing to protect their hands adequately in the garden.
The research revealed skin problems were so serious in 67% of gardeners, they had sought professional medical treatment, with more than one in ten (16%) being forced to stop gardening because their condition was chronic.
Only 31% of those questioned always wear gloves to safeguard their hands from potentially dangerous plants and chemicals, yet more than a fifth (23%) admitted certain plants caused skin problems. Seemingly harmless flowers such as chrysanthemums, tulips and Alstromeria can be a trigger for hand eczema or hand dermatitis. , as can the drying effect of the soil.
The research was carried out by www.myhandeczema.co.uk to raise awareness of skin problems amongst the 41 million people in the UK who have access to a garden. It is backed by leading horticultural experts who are encouraging the gardening community to take greater care of their green fingers.
Said BBC gardening presenter Alys Fowler, who suffers from eczema: “My hands are my livelihood so I always look after the skin on my hands as much as I care for my plants. There are many hidden dangers in the garden and your hands are constantly exposed to the elements. What look like beautiful flowers can actually cause some very ugly skin reactions, so familiarise yourself with irritant or allergic plants and handle them with care.”
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