The milky sap contained in this plant is extremely irritating to the skin. It can be toxic and should be approached with extreme caution. If swallowed, it may cause burning to the mouth, lips and tongue.
Skin contact may cause severe irritation, redness and a burning sensation. Contact with the eyes may cause severe pain and, in some cases, temporary blindness for several days. Symptoms may worsen over 12 hours.
For eye exposure, flush eyes with fresh, cool water for at least 15 minutes and repeat after a few minutes. Seek medical attention if there is no relief. Over-the-counter antihistamines may provide relief for some people. Deaths have been recorded from swallowing the sap. If swallowed, one should immediately seek medical attention.
For skin contact, take dry baking soda and sprinkle it on the affected area. Rub the baking soda all over the sap/affected area. This will cause the sap to begin to ball up in the baking soda, so that it may be more easily removed.
**The Cactus King always recommends seeking immediate care/advice from a medical professional before attempting a self-administered treatment. When in doubt, call 911** Latin Name: *Euphorbia Sap Skin Contact/Ingestion Protocol
Euphorbia plants are commonly grown in gardens and homes for their unique floral arrangements and hardy nature. However, these plants also contain a toxic, milky sap that can cause severe eye injury if it comes into contact with the eyes. This article will explain what to do if euphorbia sap gets in your eyes and how to treat it.
What Happens When Euphorbia Sap Gets in the Eye
The milky sap or latex of euphorbia plants contains irritating chemicals called diterpene esters. If this sap gets into the eye, it can cause an immediate burning sensation and pain. Other symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Excessive tearing and discharge
- Light sensitivity
- Redness and inflammation
Within a few hours more severe symptoms may develop including
- Decreased vision or even temporary blindness
- Corneal ulcers, scarring, and edema
- Anterior uveitis or inflammation of the iris
- Increased eye pressure
If left untreated, permanent vision loss can occur from the chemical injury. That’s why it’s critical to take quick action and get medical care if euphorbia sap exposures the eye.
First Aid for Euphorbia Sap in the Eye
If euphorbia sap gets in the eye, follow these first aid steps immediately:
- Flush the eye with clean, lukewarm water continuously for at least 15 minutes. This helps dilute the sap and remove it from the eye.
- Avoid rubbing the eye which can further spread the sap.
- Seek emergency medical care, preferably an ophthalmologist, right away. Timely treatment is key to preventing permanent damage.
- Bring a sample of the plant if possible to identify the exact species for proper treatment.
Medical Treatment for Euphorbia Sap Eye Injuries
An ophthalmologist will start treatment to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Common medications prescribed include:
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointments
- Steroid eye drops to control inflammation
- Cycloplegic agents to relax the iris
- Medicated eye drops to reduce corneal swelling
- Medications to lower eye pressure if elevated
The ophthalmologist will closely monitor the condition of the eye and make adjustments to the treatment regimen as needed Medications may be tapered off over time as the eye heals
Recovery and Outlook After Euphorbia Sap Eye Exposure
With prompt treatment, most patients recover fully without permanent vision impairment. However, the severity and duration of symptoms depends on:
- The amount of sap exposure – more sap causes worse injury
- How quickly the eye is flushed after exposure
- Underlying eye health and conditions
- The exact species of euphorbia plant involved
In mild cases, symptoms may resolve within 5-7 days with a week or two of medication. More severe injuries can take several weeks or months to fully heal depending on the level of eye trauma.
Around 3-5% of patients suffer some level of permanent vision loss from chemical eye burns caused by euphorbia sap. However, total blindness is rare if treatment is obtained rapidly.
Preventing Euphorbia Sap Eye Injuries
The best way to prevent eye injuries from these plants is to exercise caution when handling or being around euphorbias. Safety tips include:
- Wear protective goggles if pruning or handling the plants.
- Supervise children and pets around euphorbias to avoid accidental exposure.
- Wash hands after contact with the plants to avoid inadvertent eye rubbing.
- Learn to identify euphorbia plants and warn visitors about their dangers.
- Consider wearing gloves when handling euphorbia plants.
While beautiful, euphorbias can pose eye safety hazards. But with proper first aid, medical treatment, and precautions, these plants can still be enjoyed without injury. Seek immediate care if euphorbia sap ever contacts the eyes.
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Movies:
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Television:
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To all our customers, I would like to inform you that we are going out of business. In light of losing our lease and do not have a new location , we will sales from 10% to 90% off, so we have decided to close the doors. We need to be out by August, so we currently making deals. Payment will still be the same cash or checks no credit/debit cards. Thank you for your business.
EVERYTHING MUST GO ASAP BY AUGUST, AND REMEMBER SALES OR 10%-90%…..
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We will be closed of Friday 07/04/2025 for 4th of July thank you all and please have a safe and bless weekend. We will reopen on Monday 07/07/2025.
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Euphorbia Plant SHOOTS Seattle Woman In EYE With POISONOUS Sap as She Gardens!!
FAQ
What is the first aid for sap in the eye?
First aid when foreign particles enter the eye
Let tears wash out the speck or particle. Flush the eye with saline solution, eyewash, or running tap water. Close your eye and get medical care right away if the above suggestions don’t work. Don’t rub the eye.
How to treat Euphorbia sap?
On the therapeutic level, in front of an ocular projection of sap of Euphorbia royleana or another species of the same family, it is advisable to wash the eyes abundantly with clean water at the scene of the accident as quickly as possible in order to reduce the concentration of sap in the eye but also the duration of …
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