No, it is not recommended to touch plants at night. Touching certain plants, specifically those that contain chemicals known as psoralens, can lead to a severe skin reaction called phytophotodermatitis. This reaction occurs when the plant’s chemicals are activated by sunlight, causing inflammation, redness, blisters, and sometimes even burns on the skin.
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Psoralens are found in various plants, including many members of the Apiaceae (formerly Umbelliferae) family such as giant hogweed, celery, parsley, and parsnip. These plants have developed the ability to protect themselves from predators by producing psoralens, which can create a photosensitive reaction when exposed to sunlight.
Touching a psoralen-containing plant at night may not immediately cause any noticeable irritation. However, if the affected skin area is then exposed to sunlight the following day, the psoralens can become activated and cause a severe reaction. This can happen even with brief exposure to sunlight, such as spending a few minutes outside or even through a window.
The severity of the reaction can vary from person to person, with some individuals being more sensitive to psoralens than others. To avoid the risk of phytophotodermatitis, it is generally recommended to avoid touching potentially harmful plants altogether, both during the day and at night.