Tips on how to treat a sting from a Stinging Nettle

The stinging nettle is a plant found practically all over the world.

The plant is considered an herbaceous perennial, meaning that it has herbal properties and grows back in the same areas year after year.

The leaves and stems of the plant are covered with brittle, hollow, hair-like structures.

The stinging hairs act a lot like a hypodermic needle when your skin brushes against them.

Chemicals flow through the hollow tubes and cause a nasty stinging sensation and a rash.

The sting and rash from the plant are painful, but can be treated.

Tips

 * Try not to scratch the area, as this can cause the irritation to get worse.
 * Clean and treat the area promptly. Continue to apply treatments as long as the area is uncomfortable.
 * The stinging sensation can last from half an hour to a few days, depending on the sensitivity of your skin.
 * If one remedy does not help, then try another.
 * Contact your doctor if your symptoms are severe, widespread, and if they change or worsen. Don’t overlook the valuable help your healthcare professionals can provide, especially if children are involved.
 * You can apply vinegar to the affected areas by dabbing it on with a clean cloth.
 * Soaking aged tea in a bath with some salts lessens pain.
 * Think about something that you love to take your mind off the itching, this might keep you from scratching and get it to heal faster.
 * Usually nettles are along rivers or moist areas. If you get stung, go right onto the river and apply the mud or the dirt from the river bottom and rub it into the affected area two or three times if necessary.
 * Anything cold truly helps, and try to avoid anything touching your arm, because you can feel the hairs going deeper into your skin.

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