If people come into contact with stinging nettles, they may experience :. In some cases, people may have a severe allergic reaction to a nettle sting.
This complication can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention. The symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include :. People should seek emergency treatment or call in the case of any of these symptoms or a suspected severe allergic reaction. People can treat stinging nettle rash by washing the affected area and the surrounding skin as soon as possible after coming into contact with the plant. Doing this helps remove chemicals and nettle hairs from the skin, which should ease the discomfort of the rash within a couple of hours.
It is best to use soap and water, but a clean, damp cloth will also work if running water is not available. If people are still experiencing painful symptoms after cleaning the rash, they can try other treatments to help relieve irritation and soothe the rash.
For instance, they may try the traditional remedy of applying jewelweed or dock leaf to the rash. These plants usually grow in the same area as stinging nettles. Jewelweed has oval, green leaves with orange or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers. A small study provided some scientific evidence to support the use of jewelweed as a treatment for stinging nettle rash. However, the study showed that soap was more effective than jewelweed.
It is important to avoid scratching or rubbing the rash, as this could push the chemicals further into the skin, worsening the irritation. Children may find it hard not to scratch or rub an itchy rash. Placing a loose dressing over the rash may help stop them from touching it. People may also find it helpful to avoid wearing tight, restrictive clothing around the rash, which could irritate the skin further and increase itchiness.
They should also take care to protect the rash from direct sunlight and avoid extreme heat. This plant, which can easily reach 3 feet in height, has fine hairs on the stems and leaves. Each hair is like a hollow needle filled with formic acid, the same chemical in ant saliva that causes pain to humans when bitten.
This acid can redden the skin and cause a non-spreading rash that can last up to 24 hours. Remedies for this sting include a plant that often grows next to it called jewelweed. Applying the crushed stem of this plant to the affected area soothes the irritated skin. Another method for alleviating the pain is to apply a mixture of baking soda and water.
Both the stems and the leaves of stinging nettles are covered by structures that look like hairs but are delicate and hollow. Chemicals flow through them into the skin, which causes a stinging sensation and a rash. Stinging nettle rash presents as raised bumps or hives that are often light in color and up to a centimeter in diameter. The skin surrounding the hives may be red.
A stinging sensation is usually felt upon contact with the nettles. Afterward, the rash commonly feels itchy. In rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction to stinging nettles. In these cases, medical attention should be sought immediately as this can be life-threatening. If there is no allergic reaction , there are many methods that can be used at home to help relieve the symptoms of stinging nettle rash.
Any touching or rubbing could push the chemicals deeper into the skin and cause the reaction to be more severe and last longer. After 10 minutes, use soap and water to wash away the chemicals from the surface of the skin. This can often be enough to greatly reduce or completely remove any pain, itching, or swelling.
After cleaning, use a sturdy tape to remove any remaining fibers from the skin. But sometimes the effects of the sting can last for up to 24 hours. For relief during this time, try using the juices from a dock plant or a jewelweed plant. Both of these plants can usually be found in the same areas as stinging nettles. Dock plant leaves are big, oval in shape, and have rounded tips and wavy edges. The lower leaves have red stems.
If you crush some of the leaves and apply them to the skin, it can provide relief. You can apply cool compresses for relief.
You can also try aloe vera and a paste made from baking soda and water.
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