Alys Fowler
Millions of gardeners are putting their green fingers at risk of serious skin disease, new research has revealed.
In a nationwide study of gardeners and growers, despite more than a quarter (28%) suffering from skin conditions such as hand eczema, over two thirds (69%) admitted failing to protect their hands adequately in the garden.
The research revealed skin problems were so serious in 67% of gardeners, they had sought professional medical treatment, with more than one in ten (16%) being forced to stop gardening because their condition was chronic.
Only 31% of those questioned always wear gloves to safeguard their hands from potentially dangerous plants and chemicals, yet more than a fifth (23%) admitted certain plants caused skin problems.
Seemingly harmless flowers such as chrysanthemums, tulips and Alstromeria can be a trigger for hand eczema or hand dermatitis. , as can the drying effect of the soil.
The research was carried out by www.myhandeczema.co.uk to raise awareness of skin problems amongst the 41 million people in the UK who have access to a garden.
It is backed by leading horticultural experts who are encouraging the gardening community to take greater care of their green fingers.
Said BBC gardening presenter Alys Fowler, who suffers from eczema: "My hands are my livelihood so I always look after the skin on my hands as much as I care for my plants.
"There are many hidden dangers in the garden and your hands are constantly exposed to the elements. What look like beautiful flowers can actually cause some very ugly skin reactions, so familiarise yourself with irritant or allergic plants and handle them with care."
Added Alys, who fronts BBC’s ‘The Edible Garden’ and has presented ‘Gardeners’ World’: "If you do suffer from a skin problem like hand eczema, seek help from a dermatologist or skin specialist as soon as possible.
"I know from experience that the longer you leave it, the more severe the condition can get, leaving you unable to continue your hobby or, in some cases, even carry on working."
The 2000 participants in the study were aged 18 to over 65 years old and they ranged from experienced horticulturists and growers, through to those who only tend to their garden out of necessity rather than pleasure. The findings also revealed:
- Temperature/weather conditions affect 55% of gardeners’ hands, yet nearly a third (29%) didn’t consider caring for their hands after digging and planting a priority
- Gardeners in Edinburgh are most likely to suffer from skin problems such as hand eczema (33%), with those in Nottingham least likely (18%)
- Skin problems are more prevalent on the hands of women gardeners (30%), compared to 25% of men
- Hand eczema is likely to be more common in young gardeners, aged 25-34 (38%)
- Nearly four out of 10 (39%) had seen a dermatologist because their hand eczema was so severe, with male gardeners most likely to seek specialist advice (51%)
One in 10 people in the UK suffer from hand eczema, a painful and debilitating condition causing red blisters beneath the skin, itching, swelling, scaling and deep cracks that can become infected.
Medical research has shown that those exposed to horticultural environments can be more at risk of developing hand eczema.
In a study of employees in plant nurseries, around 23% had hand eczema , whilst 20% of gardeners and greenhouse workers said they had suffered from the condition at some point.