Mum of 5 points gardening alert after discovering ‘crimson spots’ throughout her legs

Aleksandra didn’t realise that removing some overgrown plants in her own garden would have such an impact

A mum has issued a warning after suddenly developed an agonising rash across her legs while gardening. Aleksandra Schmidt had been removing some overgrown plants when it happened.

Over the next few days, Aleksandra endured a severe allergic reaction. Now she has shared the lessons she learnt the hard way to help warn others.

The mum of five had been trying to remove five agave plants on the side of her pool as they had grown too large for the space. While she had taken some precautions because she knew the plants were sharp, she didn’t know that the sap it produces is toxic. The plants are common in north America but can be found in UK gardens, where they are often grown for their ‘striking appearance’, the RHS says.

As the 42 year old cut the plants with a chainsaw, she was also inadvertently showering herself in the sap with ‘needle-like calcium oxalate and irritating oils’ which triggered the reaction. She said: “It felt like multiple bee stings. When I looked down, I saw countless reddish-copper spots on my legs. At first, I thought I had somehow cut myself and was bleeding.”

Soon, the itching became unbearable and she dipped her legs in her swimming pool, which is when she realised the copper spots she had seen were actually tiny shreds of the plant stuck all over her skin.

She said: “My legs became extremely irritated and inflamed. What worried me most was that I started getting chills and generally felt very strange.

“I wasn’t sure how severe the reaction might become. It quickly became obvious this was much more than a minor rash or simple skin irritation.”

The Florida local developed redness, burning, itching and chills due to the reaction but luckily the situation didn’t escalate to breathing difficulties or anaphylaxis and she was able to avoid being hospitalised for the reaction. She applied hydrocortisone cream after showering and believes taking an Allegra tablet earlier that morning for seasonal allergies may also have helped.

Over the nex four days, the reaction gradually waned, and Aleksandra made a full recovery without any lasting damage to her skin. She added: “I cut a plant that, unbeknownst to me, could cause a severe reaction. I learned something new and now I know.

“My biggest takeaway is that many people, like me, may not realise agave sap can cause severe skin reactions, especially when combined with sun exposure.

“If sharing my experience helps even one person avoid going through the same thing, then it was worth talking about.” Agave is a Mexican plant that is common in the US. The website Allergy Los Angeles says: “If you suspect you’re reacting to agave or any product containing it, consult a board-certified allergist for proper evaluation and guidance.”