Boy, 13, spends four nights in hospital after brush with Britain's most dangerous plant - and now must stay out of the sun for a year Michael Taylor missed two weeks of school after blisters formed on his legs By Ryan Prosser Published: 17:21, 10 July 2024 | Updated: 18:35, 10 July 2024 e-mail 4 View comments A boy spent four nights in hospital after coming into contact with Britain's most dangerous plant and now must stay clear of the sun for a whole year. Michael Taylor, 13, was rushed to Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle and must keep his legs out of sunlight for the next 12 months after having a brush with giant hogweed. The plant, usually seen between June and August, is one of the UK's most dangerous plants.
Its sap can cause painful, blistering burns which can recur over months and even years. Michael's blisters saw him miss two weeks of school, as his mother gave a stark warning to other children and parents of the phytotoxic plant's dangers. Michael first noticed a rash on his leg on Monday, June 24.
Not knowing what the wound was, Fiona Scott treated it with anti-histamine tablets and antiseptic cream. Michael Taylor spent four nights in hospital and missed two weeks of school after a nasty brush with a giant hogweed Michael, 13, has been told to stay clear of the sun for a whole year to allow his wounds to heal But blisters started to form the following day every 20 minutes, leaving Michael in a lot of pain. What is giant hogweed? Giant hogweed or Heracleum man.
