I have a yard that was pretty full of poison hemlock. I pulled most of it when it was less than 3' tall but there are a few dozen still there over 6'. I pull them, or chop them and then pull anything I can find. I wear gloves (plastic medical ones) when gardening most often.

I am noticing (after spending yesterday in the weed forest) that I have a rash all over my forearms and I'm wondering if the hemlock is the problem or if I'm just allergic or bothered by the weed pulling process in general (lots of large poppies and other misc flowers). I got the same rash earlier but can't say if I was pulling hemlock (though it was likely).

Is this a normal reaction? Do I need to suit up in something to tackle the rest of these plants? I want to get them out of the yard and expect that given the large number this year I'll be fighting them for a while and want to do so the right way in the future. any advice would be appreciated!