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Pain

....a quick 'heads up' for anyone raking up debris from Pampas grass. 

Where my fleece sleeve ended and before my gloves cuff the skin on my arm looks like I'be self-harmed! Only a few centimetres of skin exposed but OUCH. No surprise there because the leaves are like razors, but it itches like crazy. The swelling and itching only slightly lessened with antihistamines. I knew it was sharp but didn't expect this maddening itchiness that has lasted for days.

I have tried to destroy the wretched thing three times.....it knows!

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,504

    Aloe Vera might help the itchingimage

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • MarineliliumMarinelilium Posts: 213

    Thanks will try that B3. So far antihistamines, hot soapy water, ice cubes in towel, gaffer tape to pull the microscopic fibres out and baby oil soak have not stopped the itch. 

    I knew Euphorbias, tulips and hogweeds etc caused allergic dermatitis but only thought Pampas slashed your wrists - had not realised just how irritating they are. (Always disliked it image)

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,504

    I use the gel on bites. If nothing else, it will cool the area down. Good luck with getting rid of the pg. I've heard that some people resort to setting fire to the roots.

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,504

    Bump

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • rosemummyrosemummy Posts: 2,010

    poor you, try lavender oil diluted in a carrier like grapeseed to massage or literally one or two drops neat ( a couplpe of drops will aid relaxation and sleep, too many will keep you awake and may cause a headache)

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    Got rid of mine a few years ago.  Had to use a leather moterbike jacket and gloves, two pairs of jeans and a chainsaw.  Horrendous stuff.  It's OK for a very large garden but I wouldn't recommend it in an average one.image

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • pr1mr0sepr1mr0se Posts: 1,193

    I did the only sensible thing with the one I inherited when we moved - I paid someone to come and dispose of it for me.  It was worth every penny!

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,905

    I believe that in South America they just torch them and even that doesn't see them off but it does get rid of the fiendish leaves.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
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