A stinging nettle is an herbaceous perennial or has herbal properties. The leaves and stems are covered with brittle and hollow a structure that looks like hair. The hairs are like a hypodermic needle when accidentally brushing against them and chemicals flow through the tubes and result to rashes and stinging sensations.
Symptoms of sting of a stinging nettle
- Development of raised bumps or hives
- Redness of the affected area
- Stinging sensations can be felt upon contact with the plant
- Itchy rashes
- Development of blisters with reddish shades
- Small spot on the skin that is itchy
- Prickling sensation
Severe symptoms
- Tightness of the throat or chest
- Wheezing
- Problems with breathing
- Swelling of the mouth including the lips or tongue
- Spread of rashes all over the body
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
Treatment
- Avoid touching or rubbing the affected area for at least 10 minutes. Run fresh water on the area without touching even if the pain is severe for a few minutes.
- Wash the dried chemical irritants on the surface of skin using soap and water. Avoid rubbing or touching to prevent the spread of irritant further into the skin and result to severe reaction that last for days. Dried chemical irritants found in the plant include serotonin, acetylcholine, moroidin, leukotrienes and formic acid. If soap and water is not available, use a clean cloth wipe to away plant debris and dirt from the affected area.
- Gently apply a strong tape such as duct tape to the affected area. Pull gently the tape from the area to remove all remaining debris of plant from the skin. Another option is using a wax hair remover. Apply the wax in the area and let it remain in the area for at least 5 minutes, and then peel it off and taking away with it remaining plant debris.
Additional measures
- Place a cool compress by soaking a clean cloth in cool water, wring out excess water and then place the cloth directly on the affected to lessen the stinging sensations, redness and the pain.
- Apply prescribed over-the-counter topical ointments, creams or lotion with hydrocortisone to lessen the itchiness and the redness of the area. Caladryl or calamine lotion to relieve of the burning sensation and itchiness. Over-the-counter prescribed oral histamine to counteract allergic reactions happening in the body.
- Take a cool bath or shower to relieve of the inflammation and the redness. Avoid apply heat on the area to prevent further irritations.
- Apply the juice of a fresh aloe Vera leaf on the area to lessen the burning sensations, the inflammation and the redness.
- Make a paste by mixing baking soda and cold water. Mix them well until it becomes the consistency of a paste and then apply it directly on the area to lessen the burning sensations, the itchiness and the inflammation.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urtica_dioica
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-664/stinging-nettle
http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000275