How to relieve a nettle sting?

The return of sunny days is often synonymous with an outdoor family outing or a game of hide-and-seek in the garden. But it is well known, children have everything – even more toddlers – and can easily be exposed to certain risks. And if we often say that nature is well done, it has nevertheless endowed us with small plants more or less dangerous for humans, such as nettle.

See also: Beware of “grandmother’s remedies”, some can be dangerous for your baby’s health

Video by Sarah polak

Who doesn’t remember the excruciating pain of a nettle sting (ok, we’re exaggerating, but the feeling is really not pleasant)? When your baby gets bitten for the first time – because it seems inevitable – he might cry. Fortunately, super mom or super dad (you) will come to his aid to relieve this sting. There are indeed several effective methods to reduce pain. Grandmother’s remedies, pharmacy-bought ointment, medicines… We explain how to relieve nettle stings on the finger or legs of your little one.

Nettle sting: why does it hurt?

Nettle is a plant with many benefits: it is a very good diuretic, it acts against arthritis pain and rheumatism, stimulates blood circulation and can even fight against acne. For pregnant women, nettle would even promote the production of breast milk. It is rich in vitamin A, B and C and contains among others, iron, calcium and magnesium. In short, on paper, it is THE plant to have in your garden.

But that was without counting on the stinging sides of the nettle. If this plant is not turned into cream, soap or the like, on contact with the skin, it can cause itching, irritation and a burning sensation.

Moreover, nettle is part of the urticaceae, from the Latin urtica, a term derived frompissing, ” burn “. Or, a perfect allusion to the stinging hairs of the plant. Because it is indeed its hairy leaves that cause pain during a sting. Nettle has fine hairs containing a liquid similar to the venom of some insects. On contact with the skin, these small hairs break, transform into microsyringes and release the venom. Skin pain and irritation follow for those who have the audacity to touch it.

Read also: 36 tips to get rid of lice (really)

Nettle sting: what are the symptoms?

You will understand, the liquid released by nettle as soon as you touch it is far from pleasant. As indicated above, several symptoms can be felt by the child or appear on his body:

• Itches
• Irritations and a skin reaction
• Red patches on the affected area
• A burning sensation (note that this may last for a few days)
• Tingling
• Swelling, blisters or blisters

The child may also develop an allergy, in which case it will be necessary to go to a doctor. Moreover, if the pain has not disappeared after 24 hours, it is advisable to consult a health professional.

Nettle sting: how to relieve pain?

First of all, it is advisable to rinse the area bitten by the nettles with water or physiological serum, without rubbing or pressing. You can use a towel or compress to gently dab the area. Then, in order to remove the rest of the stinging hairs, you can take a piece of duct tape and place it over the bite (s). Gently remove it from the area and the hair should be gone (much like waxing, but 10 times less painful).

Finally, several methods exist to relieve the burning sensation and the itching. Whether you prefer to try grandma’s remedies and tips or pharmaceuticals is up to you. We explain the different means.

Read also: Ecolokid: These small gestures to teach children to protect the planet

Nettle sting: remedies and tips from grandmother to relieve

Our grandmothers used everyday products or plants to relieve nettle stings. In addition to being more economical, these methods have also proven their effectiveness. So why not trust our grannies to relieve the pain.

Daily products to use:

• Baking soda : Baking soda is known to suppress the urge to itch. To use it, nothing could be simpler, just mix two to three tablespoons with 100ml of water, then apply it to the stung area. It should form a kind of paste. If the whole body is affected, you can prepare a baking soda bath by pouring 15 to 20 tablespoons in the water. The child can stay there for 20 minutes.
• White alcohol vinegar : this is probably the best-known trick, given that our elders use white alcohol vinegar in all sauces. It is believed to soothe nettle sting and skin reaction. Apply it to a cotton ball before putting it on the stung area. Rub gently and leave on for 5 minutes. Note that any wine vinegar can be used. You can repeat this gesture as soon as the pain arises.
• Onion : cut into a washer before rubbing it on the bite to calm the symptoms. The onion has an anti-inflammatory action and contains enzymes that act on the venom. Onion can also be used on insect bites such as wasps.

Nettle sting: plants and oils with many benefits

It is well known that herbs are full of benefits and can often help relieve pain and itching. Just like the essential oils that you can have at home.

Plants :

• Plantain : this plant is recognized for its healing and soothing virtues, in particular thanks to its sap which calms itching. Crush a few leaves in your hands to extract the sap and apply the substance to the stung area.
• Fresh mint : it is an excellent antibacterial. The method of use is the same as for plantain. The mint will help reduce inflammation and irritation.
• Sorrel To relieve a nettle sting, it is enough once again to extract the juice from its leaves and apply it to the stung area.
• Ground ivy : just like mint, ground ivy is a good antibacterial. Rub the leaves in your hands before applying any to the bite.
• The aloe vera : in summer, it is often recommended to apply aloe vera on sunburns, because this plant has a moisturizing and restorative function. The aloe vera gel will thus relieve the burning sensation. You can find it in its branches: just cut one and squeeze the substance out by pressing on it. Note that you can also find aloe vera gel in pharmacies.

Did you know ? Moist soil can also help relieve a nettle sting if you have nothing else on hand. Apply it to the bitten area then leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

Essential oils :

• Lavender essential oil (real or aspic) : for its antibacterial, healing and antiseptic properties.
• Matricaria chamomile essential oil : because it has healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use these oils? Mix two drops with vegetable oil before applying it to the stung area.

Warning : the use of these plants and essential oils is often not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Essential oils are also not recommended for young children.

Nettle sting: creams and drugs

The pharmacist may advise you to use an antihistamine gel or a soothing agent to relieve the pain of the stinging nettle. Be sure to apply it three times a day on the stung area, without rubbing. Your doctor may also advise you to take antihistamine tablets, but in any case, do not take any medication without medical advice. Note that he can also recommend homeopathy.

Nettle sting: how to avoid them?

If your child is an adventurer, be sure to explain to him not to touch the stinging leaves of nettles, but to pick them up by the stem at the base, stroking it from below. Or not to touch it at all, after all, you don’t need a bunch of nettles at home. However, be aware that once heated, the leaves of nettles lose their stinging function.

Otherwise, put on gloves and a ski suit as soon as he ventures outside, it will avoid a lot of injuries (but he may be hot, especially in summer).

Elise Poiret

Journalist specializing in parenthood, Elise writes for aufeminin and Parole de mamans. She is also very involved in the fight for women’s rights. If you only have to remember …