BonsaiMon

LivingArt...the sap from ficus is not an enjoyable ting..
when pruning ficus I have a hose standing by for me and the tree...or a bucket of water for me.. wash off frequently and rinse the tree this helps to keep the sap from causing this irritation..
I haven't had swelling but redness at point of contact..prunning from the bottom up also helps as it keeps your hands above the dripin sap...the rinsein of the tree as you prune helps alot...make sure you remove all the sap as it will continue to irritate for some time..

peace...

__________________
peace,
tom stoute

http://bonsaiinsights.spaces.live.com/