Allergy to beech and ash trees

Alders

OK - here is an odd one. I have an allergy to ivy, that I believe is fairly common.I come up with heat rash/hives type reaction.

BUT - has anyone come across an allergy to beech and ash? Two mates of mine in Ireland - different companies - both have been arborists for years, both suffer contact allergy to beech and ash after cutting it. Swollen, red itchy skin, that necessitates covering every square centimetre and looking like the Michelin Man.
Not sure if this continues after the wood is dried - but has anyone else out ther seen this sort of reaction?

Cheers

bobdoesit

Not heard of any reaction,s like that befor, appart from the common one,s like from conifer,s. I suffer with a reaction from Black and Scots Pines, it is just like very bad sun burn, i only get it on my face though. But recently i did not react when i felled 2 Black Pines, think it may have been the cold that helped and the lack of sap at this time of year.


Rob.
And hey, Climb safe out there.

Weta

There is an excellent dermatological botanical database, which has extensive data on plant allergies. Visit BoDD (Botanical Dermatology Database) Home Page Often what is thought to be a reaction to beeches and oaks is actually a reaction to the fungi and lichen living on their bark.
I had the unfortunate experience of taking down a small deciduous tree in early spring (before it was in leaf - and thus not easily identified) a few years ago, which turned out to be a Rhus tree. What a nightmare! The result has been an allergic cross-sensitisation to all members of the Proteaceae family and Ginkgos. That was the worst part, because Ginkgos are one of my favourite trees

danneva

Plants that produce wind-blown pollen, many of them trees, make life miserable for millions of human allergy sufferers each year. A large number of tree species produce extremely small pollen particles from their male sexual parts. Pollination is critical for trees to reproduce but can be crippling to some people with specific tree allergies and asthma. Trees whose pollen is most likely to affect those with allergies include the male Ash, Box Elder, Elm, Hickory, Pecan, and Mountain Cedar. Female versions of these trees produce no pollen. Because many of the allergies triggering pollens are invisible, they can easily infiltrate your home and office by clinging to clothes, pets, books, bags, brief cases or by being blown in through open doors as you come and go.
Using a high efficiency particle arresting air purifier will constantly eliminate all types of pollen from your indoor air.
Washing your hair immediately after you come inside can eliminate and rinse away whatever pollen you have brought with you.
Rinse your eyes with clean, cool water for an instant relief.
There are plenty of things that you need to face other than taking a bath, but immediately facing the shower head right after you stepped inside can help you prevent a one whole day of being at bed and sick by washing away all the pollen residues that your body has collected outside.
Do wear eye protection.

..these steps have been proven by people who suffer from tree allergies.

dov

I was cutting a Narrow leafed ash a while ago when it was in flower. I'd drop a branch and a huge CLOUD of pollen would float into the air. Allergy potential +++ I reckon. An allergy to the pollen could possibly cause sensitivity to the whole tree.