Some of the more important families with example plants causing chemical irritation are found in the table below. Euphorbiaceae Codiaeum variegatum Euphorbia spp. It may be found in any part of the plant in varying concentrations. 25 Crystals of calcium oxalate form within plant cells and may aid ionic balance, help remove excess oxalic acid, or protect the plant against foraging animals. While calcium oxalate alone can cause irritant dermatitis, it is probably not the sole irritant in plants containing it.
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Common, related plants include Philodendron spp. Dumb cane' received its name because chewing the leaves can lead to salivation, burning, mucosal edema, and blisters causing hoarseness or aphonia. Calcium oxalate, a water insoluble salt, is ejected from the plant when exposed to water, as in the skin or mucosa. Sap from daffodil, Narcissus spp. Dryness, fissures, scaling, and erythema chiefly affect the fingertips, hands, and forearms and are often accompanied by subungual hyperkeratosis.