Wild plants near schools raise concern of allergies

Hyderabad: Children studying in schools on the outskirts of the city where playgrounds are near farms or fields or have wild growth are complaining of skin allergies. With good rains and rising humidity levels, wild plants grow fast. Schools at Kompally, Medchal, Alwal, Boddapal, Nacharam, Shamerpet, Rajendra Nagar and other areas have large playgrounds that are prone to wild vegetation.

Children who are sensitive end up getting rashes, redness, itching sensation and swelling on the hands and face. Private hospitals received 20 such cases in the city in the month of July. Dr Vijayasree B, consultant dermatologist, said, “It affects only those children who are sensitive. Many a time, children go into bushes in search of a ball and end up touching the plants which cause allergy. The itching begins from the hand. If they are not properly washed, it spreads to the face. Diagnosis is not easy and it requires noting the child’s activity to determine the cause.”

Wild weeds with pink, white and yellow flowers as well as chick weed are found to cause reaction in those who are sensitive. Itchy grass, sunflower, daisy and aster are also found to cause irritant dermatitis. Dr Akash Jain, consultant dermatologist, said, “Plant dermatitis is rare but cases are seen from time to time. Most of the patients are sensitive to the compositae family of plants. Some of the patients have itching sensation if they pluck fruits like mangoes, guava or melon. They come to understand about their sensitive nature only after they encounter an event. Once they know that they are sensitive, they must avoid that activity completely.”