Lantana allergy can be more precisely described as Latana poisoning. Lantana (Lantana camara) is one of the several desert plants having spiny stems. It is a flowering shrub that bears small clusters of colorful flowers. Small green fruits come out of the flowers and they become dark when ripe.
Although lantana plant and its products look amusing to see, they are very poisonous. The plant contains a poisonous chemical called Triterpene. Strictly speaking all the parts of the plant are poisonous, but the green, unripe berries are considered the most poisonous part of the plant. Any part of the plant causes poisoning symptoms if eaten. Skin is also affected if any part of the plant is touched.
Lantana plant is not indigenous to Florida but it is widespread here. It is considered as one of the invasive plants in Florida. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council lists this plant in Category I invasive exotic species which means, “the most disrupting and invading native plant in Florida.” Texas and Hawaii are not left behind of the invade.
Lantana poisoning causes severe symptoms such as:
- Ataxia or lack of co-ordination of muscles
- Cyanosis or blue coloration of the skin and mucus membrane
- Coma or loss of consciousness
- Drowsiness
- Photophobia
- Difficulty in breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Skin irritation
It can lead to life threatening conditions and even result in death if not treated in 2 to 4 days
Lantana poisoning is diagnosed by home medical diagnostic tests like food allergy tests, food intolerance tests, lead poisoning tests, water tests and other tests.
Treatment: Lantana poisoning needs immediate medical attention. It is treated with decontamination or supportive therapy. Poisoning specialists or toxicologists deal with it and in cases of children pediatric medical toxicologists are called for.
