- With Mayo Clinic emeritus consultant
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Dr. Jay Hoecker, an emeritus consultant in the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, brings valuable expertise to MayoClinic.com in general and primary care pediatrics. He has a particular interest in infectious diseases of children.
Dr. Hoecker, a Fort Worth, Texas, native, is certified as a pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He was trained at Washington University's St. Louis Children's Hospital, and in infectious diseases at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He has been with Mayo Clinic since 1989.
"The World Wide Web is revolutionizing the availability and distribution of information, including health information about children and families," Dr. Hoecker says. "The evolution of the Web has included greater safety, privacy and accuracy over time, making the quality and access to children's health information immediate, practical and useful. I am happy to be a part of this service to patients from a trusted name in medicine, to use and foster all the good the Web has to offer children and their families."
Infant and toddler health (3)
- Flu shots for kids: Should healthy kids be vaccinated?
- Baby Einstein: Can baby DVDs promote infant development?
- Fruit juice: Is it good or bad for kids?
Newborn health (3)
- Newborn care: Should I wake my baby for feedings?
- Induced lactation: Can I breast-feed my adopted baby?
- Sagging breasts: Inevitable after breast-feeding?
Infant health (9)
- Infant formula: Is tap or bottled water better?
- Infant growth: What's normal?
- Infant swimming: Do indoor pools pose an asthma risk?
- see all in Infant health
Toddler health (6)
- Discolored baby teeth: A cause for concern?
- Temper tantrums: What's normal, what's not?
- Toddler speech development: When should a parent be concerned?
- see all in Toddler health
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Question
Poinsettia plants: Are they poisonous?
Are poinsettia plants poisonous? I'm nervous to have them in the house with my young grandchildren coming to visit.
Answer
from Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
Contrary to popular belief, poinsettia plants aren't poisonous.
If a child eats the leaves or stems of a poinsettia plant, simply rinse the child's mouth with water. He or she may develop a mild stomachache, vomiting or diarrhea — but severe signs and symptoms are unlikely.
If a child touches the sap of a poinsettia plant, wash the affected area with soap and water. Sometimes contact with the sap of poinsettia plants causes a mild, itchy rash (contact dermatitis).
Of course, some people are more sensitive to poinsettia plants than are others. If a child has a severe reaction of any type, seek prompt medical attention.
Next questionToddler behavior: Is sensitivity to change a concern?
- Holiday plants. Minnesota Poison Control System. http://www.mnpoison.org/index.asp?pageID=202. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Even plants can be poisonous. National Capital Poison Center. http://www.poison.org/prevent/plants.asp. Accessed Aug. 25, 1008.
