cucumber rash?

[cjat]

i dont know if this is something that others have found.

this is the first year that i've grown cucumbers, and i have found that after i have been handling the cucumber plants (amongst others such as toms, beans, rhubarb and fruit canes all of which i've grown and handled before without a problem) i have gotten a red and itchy rash on my arms, the time it takes to come up varies from about 2 to 12 hours later and the severity varies along with it.

i'm trying to take extra precautions like keeping my arms covered, washing them thorougly afterwards and stuff but i struggle with keeping them covered, and always seem to find it comes up in a couple of patches.

does anyone else have this problem? do you think it is the cucumbers or is it likely that i've suddenly started having a problem with something that was previously fine? if you have/do suffer/ed from this do you have any hints how to avoid it?

thanks

c

[sewer rat]

does anyone else have this problem? do you think it is the cucumbers or is it likely that i've suddenly started having a problem with something that was previously fine? if you have/do suffer/ed from this do you have any hints how to avoid it?

thanks

c

I get the same rash - it's mildy irritating for about half an hour but then it either goes away or another part of my body gets sore or cut or bruised and I forget about it.
Both cucumbers and courgettes have itchy abrasive hairs on their leaves that scratch the surface of your skin and this is what is causing your rash. No solution other then to wear long sleeves (which I never do as i hate my arms being covered at any time) and wear gloves.

[lottie dolly]

I first noticed last year,when picking runner beans,every time my armes came in contact with the leaves,they were very irratable,and slightly rashy,it just goes of it's own accord.

[liejay]

it happens to me when picking radish or any veg with fine hair :-)

[Pootle]

I came back from the plot last night moaning about having been attacked by the courgettes - little b****rs - my arm is still red and sore but I'm sure a bit of hydrocortisone will sort it out.

One thing I have noticed recently is that I'm getting a reaction to the water at the allotments - I suspect Severn Trent have upped some chemical in the treatment works again. This seems to happen from time to time and coincides with a chlorine smell in the taps at home - and all of us end up itchy and middle daughter has another eczema flare-up.

If you have a genuine allergic reaction to something like the cucumbers (rather than it being a physical irritation) you could try taking some piriton beforehand - it'll dampen down your reaction and should make it more comfy for you.

[cjat]

thank you all for your help and comments, as silly as it sounds, i dont feel quite so bad knowing that i'm not the only one!
i expect i'll just have to try and be more careful when handling the plants, and maybe try some hydrocortisone cream (in addition to the anti-histamines i already take)
thanks
c