Nettle is known for its medicinal properties, but chemicals like histamine, acetylcholine and serotonin residing in this leaf can irritate your skin leading to nettle allergy.
Redness, swelling, itching, inflammation and numbness can be accompanied by this allergic reaction. Consult physician as soon as you see such signs after coming in contact with nettle related plant.
Stinging nettle grows up to 3 to 4 feet high in wild places. Fine hairs surrounded on its leaf releases histamine when comes in contact with skin. Depending on the individual mild to moderate rash can be experienced after brushing with nettle leaf.
However, these chemical compounds have been used to treat various ailments including eczema, hay fever and gout through medical field. Capsules, teas and tinctures that include nettle leaf have shown significant results.
Nettle Allergy Symptoms
It has been used to treat ailments from thousands of years. Medical experts today started incorporating it to capsules to treat allergy. Yes, it’s surprising that an allergy can be turned to treat chronic allergies. (1)
Because these plants grow in wild places, when you walk without care chemical compounds are injected into your skin. These chemical substances from nettle leaf trigger various allergic reactions that can be accompanied by inflammation.
Normally, an allergic reaction occurs when immune system treats foreign substances as a threat and releases antibodies to detect them. IgE antibodies then signals to release histamines and allergic reaction commence to thwart that foreign substance.
For mild symptoms you can treat at home by home remedies, but for moderate and severe reactions experts recommend consulting dermatologist.
Oral Use
Nettle allergy may trigger even when you consume it orally. Teas and tincture which can be used as a medicine must be tested before considering it as a medicine.
Upset stomach, hives and fluid retention are symptoms you can experience after ingesting this herb. Difficulty in breathing, swelling of face and wheezing are serious problems which need immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis
Person who experiences these symptoms must consult the allergist or dermatologist immediately for diagnosis. Allergist will conduct necessary patch test to determine the allergen.
Your skin will be exposed to different allergens to confirm the specific substance to which your skin is hypersensitive. Accordingly, medication will be prescribed.
As a first-aid, when you come in contact with nettle herb, wash the area with soap and to remove fine hairs of nettle leaf. Use anti-histamines medication to relief from itching and swelling.
It’s better to wear long pants and socks while going in woods. Do carry first-aid including anti-histamines recommended by your allergist.