Nettle Rash

Nettle rash, also referred as hives (urticaria), typically appears as elevated red patches of blisters on the skin. These bumpy areas on the skin trigger an itching or burning sensation that may not allow the person to sleep properly.

These swollen red bumps, also referred as welts, appearing on the skin are not of uniform size. Some hives are just few millimeters in size while in severe cases their size may go up to several inches.

Types

Nettle rash can appear anywhere on the skin and is not restricted to face or back. It is classified into two main types: acute or chronic; Although the onset of hives is sudden, it is not a cause for worry as the rash goes away within a day or two. Unfortunately, this is not the case with chronic rash. It is a long-standing rash and does not leave the skin for at least 6 weeks.

Causes

The main culprit behind sudden outbreak of this skin problem is histamine. It is a chemical secreted by the mast cells that lie within the skin. The release of histamine has a negative impact on the blood vessels located in the inner layers of the skin.

The blood vessels expand and leak out bodily fluids. These fluids accumulate just below the uppermost layer of the skin. The buildup of fluid leads to formation of nettle rash at the affected site.

Factors That Cause Secretion of Histamine

The chemical histamine is contained in the mast cells of the skin. What are the factors that make mast cells release histamine into the skin? Stress, over exposure to sun or cold can also cause nettle rash. Other factors that can cause this skin disorder in babies and adults are discussed below:

Having seafood, particularly shellfish can cause skin eruptions in the form of nettle rash. Nuts, eggs, milk and strawberries are some of the foodstuffs that can trigger release of histamines, eventually leading to hives.

The body may react by releasing histamines if medications such as antibiotics and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are taken for prolonged periods of time.

An allergic reaction to insect bite can also cause development of bumpy patches. Whether it is a mosquito or a spider bite, a sensitive skin responds by releasing histamines that eventually causes hives.

Exposure to nettle rash virus can cause widespread occurrence of rash. Reddish bumpy patches may be seen all over the body.

Nettle refers to a group of flowering plants, what separates them from other species of plants are their hair. Nettle plants are armed with stinging hair. Touching these hair causes skin irritation and manifests as.

The thyroid glands located near the neck area produce hormones to regulate the metabolic rate of the body. Malfunctioning of the thyroid gland can cause excess or too less production of thyroid hormones. These disturbances in the thyroid gland function can cause symptoms in the form of skin problems such as hives.

Treatment

Staying away from allergens is a prerequisite to eliminate the skin problem at the earliest. The doctor may ask to avoid foods and medications, responsible for causing this skin problem. Usually hives treatment is not necessary as the skin condition responds quite well to the body's natural healing ability.

However, as the symptoms are bothersome, doctors often prescribe medications to relieve discomfort. Medications that have proved useful to treat this skin problem are antihistamines.

These medicines block the production of histamines and try to minimize the effects of histamine that has been released in the skin. This in turn, helps to reduce the itchiness and swelling associated with hives.

In case, antihistamines fail to provide relief, doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids and epinephrine to severe form of nettle rash that affects the eyes, mouth and throat leading to breathing problems.

Chronic nettle rash are often linked to thyroid problems and other underlying causes such as lupus (autoimmune disorder). So, finding out the root cause and then taking treatment accordingly, would benefit to free the skin from nettle rash.