I must have been stung by nettles 5,000 times as a child – why am I not immune? (2024)

FAQs

I must have been stung by nettles 5,000 times as a child – why am I not immune? ›

A 'sting' is when the nettle's acid filled barb penetrates the skin, and breaks off, releasing the acid that causes the pain. You can't become immune to this kind of injury any more that becoming immune to the pain of a cut.

In some cases, stinging nettles may cause a severe allergic reaction, and a person will require immediate medical attention. However, people will be able to treat most cases of stinging nettle rash with home treatments, which can usually relieve the symptoms within a few hours.

Occasional side effects include mild stomach upset, fluid retention, sweating, diarrhea, and hives or rash (mainly from topical use). It is important to be careful when handling the nettle plant because touching it can cause an allergic rash.

Urtica ferox (tree nettle or ongaonga) is endemic to New Zealand. One recorded human death is known: a lightly clad young man died five hours after walking through a dense patch. After cooking, some plants with stinging hairs, such as Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), are eaten as vegetables.

A dose of antihistamine (such as Piriton) will relieve the itching. Topical creams like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone can also be applied to reduce redness and itching (but be careful to gently dab the cream instead of rubbing).

A 'sting' is when the nettle's acid filled barb penetrates the skin, and breaks off, releasing the acid that causes the pain. You can't become immune to this kind of injury any more that becoming immune to the pain of a cut.

Stinging nettle is high in amino acids, protein, flavonoids, and bone-building minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Nettle contains vitamins and minerals that can help keep your bones strong (Gupta, 2021). Stinging nettle is one of the greatest sources of vitamin K.

Stinging nettle extracts are generally well tolerated and have not been implicated in instances of serum aminotransferase elevations or cases of clinically apparent liver injury.

When taken by mouth: Stinging nettle is possibly safe when used for up to 1 year. It might cause diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach in some people. When applied to the skin: Stinging nettle is possibly safe. Touching the stinging nettle plant can cause skin irritation.

Urtica dioica is thought to bind to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) via its polar extracts and cause elevated serum estrogen levels. The local estrogen bioactivity in breast tissue may subsequently lead to gynecomastia or galactorrhea [2].

What is the most painful nettle in the world? ›

Dendrocnide moroides, commonly known in Australia as the stinging tree, stinging bush, or gympie-gympie, is a plant in the nettle family Urticaceae found in rainforest areas of Malesia and Australia. It is notorious for its extremely painful and long-lasting sting.

The nettle family is full of stinging plants, but none is quite as aggressive as the gympie gympie (Dendrocnide moroides). One of six stinging trees native to Australia (because of course) and also found in Indonesia, the gympie gympie is one of the most dangerous plants in the world.

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.

In rare cases, a nettle sting can have more severe effects, such as an allergic reaction. You should seek medical attention immediately - call for an emergency ambulance (999 in the UK) if your sting leads to any of the following reactions: Difficulty breathing. Tightness in the chest/increased heart rate.

To get rid of stinging nettles, cut them down in early summer before they start to flower and use a garden fork to dig up the roots of the plants. Hoe beds regularly to kill stinging nettle seedlings, or dig up individual seedlings with a hand fork. To remove stinging nettles in lawns, mow regularly.

Oral antihistamines can also be effective at relieving the itching as they counteract the reaction that your body is having. You may also want to give these natural antihistamines a try. If the rash is painful, then you can take anti-inflammatory pain medications.

If the irritation is severe, cooling the skin with a damp cloth or ice pac (a pack of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) may be useful. A pharmacist will be able to advise regarding the use of antihistamines and creams to relieve the irritation.

When taken by mouth: Stinging nettle is possibly safe when used for up to 1 year. It might cause diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach in some people. When applied to the skin: Stinging nettle is possibly safe. Touching the stinging nettle plant can cause skin irritation.

Treating a nettle sting

Alternatively, washing the affected area with soap and water will help ease the stinging.