When Lauren Fuller came into contact with giant hogweed she was in excruciating pain when her hands blistered and her arms and face broke out in a rash.

Lauren had been fishing with her family near Loch Lomond when she picked up the plant to make a den.

Doctors initially diagnosed Lauren, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, with sunburn, but her dad Googled the symptoms – discovering it was giant hogweed which had caused her injuries.

West Dunbartonshire Council has told the community the plant is harmless if undisturbed and the authority has had a treatment programme in place to respond to hogweed on its land for a number of years and to prevent it spreading further.

Each location where the plants are identified has been recorded and continues to be monitored.

The council’s Greenspace team is also offering advice to homeowners on treating hogweed.

The plants can grow to over 11ft and have a similar appearance to cow parsley with long, green stems which branch out into clusters of small, white flowers. It can be identified by its purple-hued stem and leaf stalks covered in spots.

The stalk contains sap which is harmful to humans if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. A chemical present in the sap reacts when exposed to sunlight, causing skin blistering.

Residents are being encouraged to report the location of new plants on council land to the Greenspace team.

Councillor Patrick McGlinchey, convener of Infrastructure and Regeneration, said: “Although the plant is featured in the news at the moment it has actually been present in our area for a number of years without any incidents. During this time we have been carrying out regular treatment, and are logging all locations where it is found, and this approach is proving to be successful.

“It is present not only across the UK but also throughout Europe and is very difficult to control as one plant produces thousands of seeds which can be easily spread by wind or water.” Councillor David McBride , vice-convener of Infrastructure and Regeneration, added: “Our advice to residents who see the plant is not to touch it. If you or someone you know comes into physical contact with it, seek medical advice. If it is on council land then report it to us.” Following the recent case involving the 10-year-old, a Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park spokeswoman said the plant has been ‘prioritised for control’ in the national park.

She added: “As well as the horrific injuries that can be sustained by people from contact with giant hogweed, it grows so densely in places that it shades out our native vegetation, degrading our natural environment.” The park authority is four years into a partnership program to eradicate the species.

Any residents who see hogweed on council-owned land are asked to report it via the website or by calling Greenspace on 01389 608413.