What is Stinging Nettle Rash

Stinging nettle rash is a skin reaction that occurs after touching the stinging nettle plant. Stinging nettle is a broad-leafed plant that can cause burning and hives (urticaria) after it is touched.

Hives are itchy, red, swollen areas of skin that form the rash. The rash usually resolves without treatment within 12 hours.

What are the causes?

Stinging nettle rash is caused by hairs on the leaves of the stinging nettle plant. When you come into contact with the plant, these tiny hairs break off and release acid onto your skin. This causes your skin to release a chemical called histamine. The combination of acid from the plant plus histamine is irritating to your skin and can cause the rash.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if:

• You live in an area where stinging nettle is present.
• You spend a lot of time outdoors.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Common symptoms of this condition include:

• A burning or stinging sensation.
• Itchy, red, swollen areas of skin (hives).

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on your symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam.

How is this treated?

For most people, treatment is not required. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and how many areas are affected, treatment for this condition may include:

• Medicines to help with the itching and rash (antihistamines).
• Medicines to reduce swelling (corticosteroids).
• Over-the-counter medicines for pain.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not drive or drink alcohol if you are prescribed an antihistamine that makes you drowsy.
• Do not wear tight-fitting clothes. This can irritate your skin.
• Do not scratch the rash.
• Apply a cold, wet cloth (cold compress) to the affected areas or take baths in cool water. This will help with itching. Avoid hot baths and showers.
• Apply calamine lotion or aloe vera to the rash as told by your health care provider. This may help with the itching.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

How is this prevented?

• Learn what stinging nettle looks like and avoid making contact with the plant.
• If you have made contact with stinging nettle, wash the affected area with water as soon as you can.
• If you are spending time outdoors in an area where stinging nettle is common, wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a long-sleeved shirt.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have constant or severe itching that does not get better with over-the-counter medicines or medicines prescribed by your health care provider.
• The rash is spreading.
• Your symptoms reappear or get worse.

Summary

• Stinging nettle is a broad-leafed plant that can cause burning and hives (urticaria) after it is touched. Hives are itchy, red, swollen areas of skin.
• This reaction is caused by hairs on the leaves of the stinging nettle plant. When you come into contact with the plant, these tiny hairs break off and release acid onto your skin. This causes your skin to release a chemical called histamine. The acid and histamine irritate your skin.
• Treatment may include medicines to help with the itching and rash (antihistamines).
• Learn what stinging nettle looks like so you can avoid making contact with the plant.