Home Remedies for Skin Contact with Burning and Stinging Nettles

Here in the eastern part of the United States (and in a few central states as well) we have Burning Nettles. Some of the western states have Stinging Nettles, according to University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM). The plants are actually two different species. But they both have stinging hairs that can cause human skin intense discomfort. No matter which nettle may be plaguing your area, both Burning and Stinging Nettles cause a skin condition known as "Nettle Rash". Since I have fair skin, coming in contact with Burning Nettles makes me dash to the house to get relief from the burning and stinging sensations. Read this informative article and learn about some home remedies for skin contact with burning and stinging nettles!

How Burning and Stinging Nettles Got Their Names
Both plants have needle-like bristles along their stems and under the leaves. When they touch human skin, these hairs sting you. They inject chemicals- acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine and formic acid- into your skin. Formic acid is also found in bee and fire ant stings. The results are burning and stinging sensations followed by a red, itchy rash. You may even develop welts and blisters on your skin. The symptoms of skin contact with burning and stinging nettles may last minutes, hours or days, depending on how sensitive you are to the chemicals.

Medical Alert- If the burning and stinging symptoms from the nettles don't let up after treatment, if the symptoms last 24 hours or more, if you feel worse or have allergic reactions, seek professional medical help.

1st Home Remedy- Rubbing Alcohol
This is my remedy of choice because it's easy, and it works the best for me. Anytime I have skin contact with burning and stinging nettles, I immediately apply a liberal amount of rubbing alcohol on a few cotton balls. I then dab the affected area with the alcohol. I keep dabbing the rubbing alcohol on the skin that's burning and stinging until the symptoms stop. One of the grandkids got into nettles recently and I grabbed the alcohol and cotton. He was amazed at how fast the burning and stinging quit.

2nd Home Remedy- Broadleaf Dock
According to the Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide, the leaves of the Broadleaf dock "have been used to soothe burns, blisters, and nettle stings." This perennial conveniently grows near nettles. You can see photos of the broadleaf dock (also called red-veined dock and yellow dock among other names), at the Virginia Tech Identification Guide.

To use this home remedy, the next time you have burning and stinging from nettles, snap off a few broadleaf dock leaves. Crush the ends of the stems, then rub them on the affected area of your skin to relieve the discomfort.

3rd Home Remedy- Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is amazing. Read "25 Amazing Uses for Baking Soda You've Never Thought Of" if you're not aware how versatile this chemical compound is.

To relieve skin contact with burning and stinging nettles, mix up a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub the paste onto the affected area to stop the pain.

Resources
http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74146.html
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Nettle%20rash