Allergic Reactions to Oleanders

The most common type of oleander in North America is Nerium oleander, which has delicate pink or orange flowers 1. Another variety is the yellow oleander, or Thevetia peruviana, which is primarily found in warm and coastal climates. Though these colorful plants can add beauty to your garden, they should be handled with caution, because they can also cause dangerous allergic reactions.

Phytodermatitis

Phytodermatitis is an allergic reaction on the skin caused by exposure to a plant. Its symptoms include rashes and blisters. If an individual's skin is sensitive to plant allergies, any contact with oleander leaves can trigger phytodermatitis. The stem of the oleander plant can also produce this reaction. Both the oleander leaves and the oleander stem contain poisonous sap. Skin allergy to oleanders can be revealed through patch testing, where patches containing small amounts of the offending allergen are taped to the patient's skin.

Toxicity

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If ingested, the seeds of the yellow oleander are toxic. They are visually appealing, and are also referred to as "lucky nuts." Fortunately, they taste terrible and any child or adult eating them would be inclined to spit them out immediately. Both the yellow oleander and the ordinary Nerium oleander also have toxic leaves. Allergic reactions to ingesting oleander can include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and cramping. Heart disturbances and death may occur in severe cases.

Cautions

Ingestion of oleander by pregnant or breastfeeding women has been linked to infant seizures and a slowed heart rate among infants. Oleander extract has been prescribed by doctors as an herbal cancer treatment, as well as for lesser ailments such as asthma, menstrual pain and muscle cramps. Care should be taken with medicinal use because of its high potential to trigger an allergic reaction.

Preventing and Treating Allergic Reactions

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After pruning the oleanders in your garden, wash your hands thoroughly. This will prevent the oleander sap from irritating your skin and eyes. Wearing gloves while gardening near oleanders is also a wise precaution. In the case of ingestion, swallowing charcoal tablets can help mitigate the toxicity. Induced emesis, or vomiting, should also be performed. If allergic symptoms continue, the patient should visit a hospital and undergo gastric lavage, or stomach pumping, to remove any lingering oleander traces.