Unusual complications after occupational exposure to giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum): a case report.

Exposure to giant hogweed brings about the risk of serious skin damage, usually in the form of phytophotodermatitis. Initially, skin changes are signaled by a burning sensation, followed by a vesiculobullous rash and long-term hyperpigmentation. Usually, skin disorders improve after the application of topical and oral corticosteroids. In extremely rare instances, full skin thickness burns or epidermal necrosis occur. The study presents a case of occupational exposure to hogweed, which resulted in extensive skin lesions leading to the disablement of a 27-year-old man. The principles of procedure to be followed when contact with giant hogweed is an occupational hazard are also outlined.

[Some issues of death cap (Amanita phalloides) poisoning based on cases treated in Poznan Department of Toxicology in 2010]. / Wybrane aspekty zatruc muchomorem sromotnikowym - na podstawie przypadków leczonych w Oddziale Toksykologii w Poznaniu w 2010 roku.

Death cap (Amanita plalloides) poisonings are still a great diagnostic and therapeutic problem in Poland. Despite of regular educational activity, the Poles are confusing toxic mushrooms with edible ones. Death cap is mainly a cause of accidental poisoning, although suicidal intoxications also occur. This study presents some authors'observations which were made during diagnosing and treatment of patients hospitalized in Poznan Department of Toxicology in 2010 year. The circumstances of poisonings, kind of symptoms and time when they developed, the main biochemical abnormalities are shown. The way of treatment with N-acetylcysteine and silibinin is discussed.