Lifespan's A - Z Health Information Library

This is poisoning from touching the sap of the poinsettia plant or the eating parts of the plant.

Diterpene esters

Leaves, stem, sap of the poinsettia plant

Skin

• Redness and swelling 
• Blistering

Gastrointestinal

• Stomach pain
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If the poison is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk. DO NOT give water or milk if the patient is vomiting or has a decreased level of alertness.

Contact your doctor or Poison Control Center for appropriate treatment.

Eating this plant does not usually result in a trip to the hospital.

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the plant, if known  
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you go to the hospital, bring the plant with you, if possible.

See National Poison Control Center.

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Methods to make the person throw up 
• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

This plant is not considered very toxic. Patients usually make a full recovery.