’Tis the season to plant bulbs, but I never realized some of them can cause a rash on your fingers and other parts of your skin. Here is what happens when bulbs cause skin reactions and what you can do about it.

I’ve planted thousands of bulbs in my life, so imagine my surprise when a friend called me this week and said that she had a reaction from them. She said it was a lovely, warm fall afternoon, and as she was putting the bulbs in the ground, she felt her face become warm. She thought it was just because of the sunshine, and then it became uncomfortable. Going inside, she realized she had red blotches on her cheeks.

Yikes! I had no idea that might happen. She didn’t either, but she looked it up online, and sure enough, dermatitis is a possibility for some folks.

What Bulbs Cause Rashes

Shockingly, a number of flower bulbs can cause skin irritation in some people, which is why it’s beneficial to know which ones are the main culprits and learn how to protect yourself accordingly.

Oxalates That Cause Dermatitis

These beautiful and fragrant spring flowers have bulbs that contain calcium oxalate, a compound that helps the plant regulate calcium within its system, but one that is made up of sharp, tiny crystals.

It’s also thought that this is a defense mechanism to prevent animals from eating the bulbs. Actually, this is one reason deer don’t eat daffodils, as they also contain oxalates within their system. Hyacinths are well-known to have oxalates, as are daffodils, tulips, peace lilies, and calla lilies.

These compounds are also a deterrent for some people because it can cause a burning sensation, along with welts and rashes.

What is Tuliposide A?

Tulips have another compound called Tuliposide A, which is a chemical that protects the plant from soil fungi. When the tulip bulb is damaged, the Tuliposide A converts to another compound that causes a reaction. There’s even a name for it: Tulip Fingers.

What sounds like a lovely condition actually causes redness, itching, and even blistering and scaling on a person’s fingers when they handle the bulbs for too long. This is more prevalent among florists and bulb growers who handle them frequently, but it’s something to be aware of for anyone handling them.

Alstroemeria and Star of Bethlehem also contain Tuliposide A, so be aware if these are a couple of your favorites.

Does Everyone Have a Reaction?

Not everyone has a reaction to the oxalates or the Tuliposide A, but for those who do, it’s a very uncomfortable experience and can be quite severe.

What to Do?

The best way to avoid an unpleasant reaction is to wear gloves anytime you’re handling a bulb or a plant that contains these chemical compounds. If you begin to experience any discomfort, wash the area immediately. Keep in mind that if you’ve had a reaction, it could be worse the next time.

Don’t let this situation dissuade you from planting your spring bulbs, because pulling on a pair of gloves and planning for a beautiful display is well worth the effort.