Weird Rashes in the Quad Cities Caused by Weeds

It's not just poison ivy you have to watch out for in the Quad Cities. These plants are causing rashes, too.If you're an avid hiker and outdoorsy-type, you'll need to know about two plants growing in and around the QCA.

One of the plants can cause painful blisters if the oil inside reaches exposure on the skin. The other, acts similarly to poison ivy, in that, you don't want any part of it touching your skin or breathing in the vapors from mowing or burning.

According to KWQC.com, it's wild parsnip and posion hemlock you need to be on the lookout for.

"The exterior of a wild parsnip weed, which typically reaches two to five feet and has yellow flowers, is not a threat per se but the oil inside can cause large and painful blisters on the skin within 24 to 48 hours of exposure.

Poison hemlock has white flowers, fern-like leaves and often stands several feet tall by early summer."

Of course, wearing proper clothing is a good way to avoid exposure while walking in higher grasses, mowing or if there's a chance you'll be around flowers that fit these descriptions.