Treating a parsnip burn If you get a parsnip burn, relieving the symptoms comes first. The affected area can be covered with a cool, wet cloth. If blisters are present, try to keep them from rupturing for as long as possible. To avoid infection, keep the area clean and apply an antibiotic cream. Adding Domeboro powder to cool cloth compresses can help dry weeping blisters.
Some doctors recommend a topical or systemic cortisone-steroid for extreme discomfort.
For serious cases with extensive blistering, consult a physician. Avoiding exposure, of course, is the wisest tactic. By learning to recognize the plant in different seasons and in different stages of growth, you can steer clear of it, or protect yourself by wearing gloves, long pants and long-sleeve shirts. Some people pull up the wild parnsips in the evening, when exposure to sunlight is minimal. If you do get the plant juice on your skin, the sooner you thoroughly wash the area, the less you will be affected.