Zucchini causing skin reaction

[tweetsy85]

Hi there!

Basically, every time I chop up and prepare zucchini/ courgettes, the skin on my hands and fingers become really dry, tight and hard. Then a couple hours later, the skin starts peeling, and this can last a good day or so.

In my research on the net, I see I'm not the only one to experience this - but no-where have I found an explanation for *why* this happens and it'd be nice to understand it: one step closer towards avoiding it happening again (in a way other than just not cooking with zucchini..) Although not life-threatening or anything, it is unpleasant.

I'd be really grateful if anyone could help shed some light on this :)

Thanks guys!

[farmerjill]

thanks luweezy for bringing some scientific logic to this, that's exactly right. i just want to add further: it's not pesticides, GMO, etc. (be careful because that's how myths get started) it's the natural defense of the squash, to seal/dry/scab up any damages to itself. like our blood does.
as an organic famer i can assure you there's no need to be timid about continuing to eat zucchini! on the contrary, you should feel happy that your zuke is nice and fresh - the longer it is off the vine the less it will bleed.
just be mindful it stains your clothes!

[Abbysweet78]

It happened to me while am peeling the cucumbers ,my hands are dry and tight with green stain

[Miteko]

Thanks for the info! I had a feeling this was what it was, as when I was cutting up my zucchini last night I noticed it got all slimy, but it's nice to have it confirmed. I also do see the slightly green tint when I look at it carefully on my hands.

Too bad for the zucchini, it didn't keep me from eating it!

[janwt1130]

The zuchinni I worked with today came from my garden ..totally organic...still had the hand peeling.

[janwt1130]

I just grated zuchinni and the one hand I was holding the zuchinni started peeling really bad..the hand I was holding the knife in is fine...it must be the juices in the zuchinni....I was freaking out and realized it had to be the zuchinni causing this....so wrird.

[ninjalgardener]

not it!  the zucchini from our garden does this to our skin and all we use is dirt and water for growing!  please tell your nutritionist!!

[Eva001]

I thought I'd research this topic today as it happened to me yesterday.  It was really the most bizarre thing.  I would describe my experienced as more of a numbing than a skin rash.  I had no peeling but noticed it, primarily on the hand I used to hold the zucchini while peeling it and secondarily on the hand I used to hold the veggie while shredding it.  My skin was shiny from the veggie residue and truly felt as though I had used some sort of analgesic on my skin.  I first noticed that my fingertips were desensitized to touch. I washed the residue off with simple kitchen hand soap and the numbing ceased shortly thereafter.  I have never had a problem eating zuchinni raw or cooked (I likely eat more raw).