Haven't seen the magazine but such reactions are rare though not unknown. I use the pictures on my site http://thepoisongarden.co.uk/atoz/pastinaca_sativa.htm (with the victim's permission) in my talks and they always get a gasp from the audience - even though I warn them in advance.

yes I have the magazine and did see it. My brother had a similar reaction to giant hogweed when he was a young teenager. used the stems as a stout stick to thwack nettles down. nettle stings would have been less painful.

Yes I read the article. It was very interesting. There all sorts of different reactions to plants. I am allergic to the house plant Primula Obconica. They now grow a strain which is said to be non allergic but I'm afraid I give the plant a wide berth as I was badly affected.