Blackberry picking goes horribly wrong as Welsh woman left with terrible blisters
She was also warned to use sun protection for the next five years to prevent the rash and blisters from recurring.
Ms Harris, 55, was gathering blackberries in Mayals, Swansea, when she inadvertently touched Hogweed, a plant known for its long-lasting effects on those who come into contact with it.
The plant, scientifically referred to as Heracleum sphondylium, is commonly found along hedgerows, roadside verges and rough grassland. It was introduced to Britain as an ornamental plant in the 19th century.
The plant's sap, stems, leaves, and fruits are toxic. In particular, its sap can cause severe, painful burns, making the skin hypersensitive to sunlight and prone to blistering if exposed to the sun, reports Wales Online.
Two hours after returning home from her afternoon blackberry-picking trip, Ms Harris noticed a small rash on her arm. The condition worsened overnight, spreading up her arm, onto her back, and causing intense pain.
She visited her local chemist and received treatment but she remained in "agony".
Her GP warned that consuming the blackberries could have caused her throat to swell shut, as the plant can inflict damage equivalent to third-degree burns.
Ms Harris said her doctor instructed her to take additional sun protection measures and use SPF50 or protective clothing for the next four to five years, or risk the blisters and irritation returning.
A fortnight on, her rash continues to cause pain and may persist for another six months.
She explained: "Even now, my arm is burning, literally burning. I didn't feel anything at the time, I must have just brushed past it.
"I went to my doctor a week later because I've been in and I honestly mean it, I've been in agony with it. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
"I just want people to know about it because I never knew it was toxic and I wouldn't want anyone else to go through this."
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