Why does nettle sting

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.

Stinging nettles are covered with countless tiny hollow hairs called trichomes. When something brushes against these hairs, their very fragile silica tips break off, and the remainder of the hair can then act like a needle.

We used to think that the main component was formic acid, the same compound contained in ant venom. Other chemicals contained in the stinging nettle venom, and the ones we now think are primarily responsible for the pain it induces, are histamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin. When injected by the stinging nettle, however, it functions as an irritant, leading to pain.

Acetylcholine is another neurotransmitter that can accomplish a similar effect, and you might remember histamine from previous discussions of allergies, particularly hayfever.

In the venom, histamine causes inflammation and pain. Additionally, tartaric acid and oxalic acid are two compounds, isolated in a different species of stinging nettle, which were implicated in the drawn-out effect. However, further studies could reveal that there are still gaps in our current understanding. In some countries, your immediate reaction would probably be to hunt for a dock leaf to rub on the affected area. To many, this is almost second nature, but is it actually in any way effective?

Another suggestion is that dock leafs contain a natural antihistamine, which prevent histamine in the venom from producing inflammation and pain. After a lot of hunting, the only paper I could find naming a specific compound references another paper that supposedly shows dock leaf to have high levels of chlorphenamine.

Another oft-suggested remedy is applying calamine lotion to the skin. Haggling over Mica compensation reaches critical and fraught stage. How counting murders of women changed the law in Italy. Latest Ireland. Mother and baby home redress scheme to go to Cabinet next week Coronavirus: Case numbers set to stay high as 5, reported on Friday Council CEO accused of threatening to pull radio funding over coverage Daily Today Daily. Stay on top of the latest news with our daily newsletters each morning, lunchtime and evening.

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. The best way to prevent a stinging nettle rash is to avoid stinging nettles touching the skin. Recognizing the plant and teaching children how to distinguish it can help avoid stinging nettle rash.

If people want to clear stinging nettles from their backyard or local area, wearing thick, full length clothing and thick gardening gloves can help prevent stinging.

Those who work outdoors and are likely to come into contact with stinging nettles may wish to consider wearing protective gear to help avoid the plant brushing against bare skin and causing a rash. Stinging nettle rashes can be painful and itchy, but they usually resolve within a few days. Home treatments, such as washing the area with soapy water and taking OTC pain relievers, may help ease the symptoms. If people have severe, long lasting, or worsening symptoms, they can see their doctor.