Q: I’ve never heard a caution about how toxic the sap from a fig bush can be. In my case, I pruned a bush without a shirt on and got the sap all over me. When the sap gets on the skin, it will photosensitize the skin and the sun can cause a real burn.

A: You’re exactly right! Several common plants can cause a skin reaction, including euphorbia, Confederate jasmine and evergreen passion vine. Take care to avoid contact with sap when pruning these plants.

Skin Reaction to Fig Sap