Stinging Nettle 1-0 Me

I was clearing the nettles off my new allotment site and got stung hellishly, and unremittingly. Unfortunately what was a slightly itchy ankle has turned into a hideously infected monstrosity, a red/purple tennis ball sticking out of the side of foot. It itches really bad.. but doesn't hurt too much but I can't really walk on it. I'm not so worried but it's definitely not without irritation.

Has anyone also ever had crazy swelling from a nettle sting?

 

Doesn't sound like a nettle sting. Unless you are allergic or something, I wouldn't expect it to do that.

Perhaps you got euphorbia sap on it? Some people have nasty reactions to that.

 

Take some anti histamine, that should keep to calm the reaction.

 

I was covered in nettle stings, no Euphorbia at the site..

that said we have had a small mouse spider running around but I doubt that would have caused that?

ps it's so bad it would put people off eating if they saw it.

 

Were there no dock leaves around Stephen? They are usually the most effective antidote. Failing that, try bathing it in salt water and then dabbing some lavender oil or aloe vera on it. If you don't have lavender oil, I recommend you get some to have around the house - it's useful for a myriad of ailments.
And don't scratch!!!

 

Stephen you can make a poultice with Bicarbonate of Soda that will help draw out the sting and help give relief. Make it into a paste with water and apply to the area. Don't mistake Bi-carb for Baking powder though, they are not the same. Also if the stings are still in there you can remove them with a plaster, sorry that will be painful.

Bicarbonate of Soda can be used for all types of stings including those from bees and wasps.

 

You haven't been bitten by anything have you? I got bitten on the wrist last year when in the garden and the same thing happened. I went to work the next day and gradually through the day it continued to swell, so bad I could not use the mouse. I went to see the nurse and got sent to hospital and ended up on anti inflamatries and antibiotics.

Rusty

 

I would say it may be a red ant bite, but i may be wrong

 

It sounds more like an insect bite turned nasty, since nettle stings even if severe doesnt last that long to worry about. It is very possible that even if it is a small insect/spider sting you react badly if you are allergic to it. If you are prone to this I would have an anaphilactic kit not far away at any time.

 

Hi Steve

Dock leaves are usually effective as Lorea says. As kids, we used to just rub them over the area that was stung and it worked like magic. It does sound more like a bite though. Hope you feel better this morning. How is it now?

 

If it's still quite swollen Stephen pop into your local chemist ...if you can..and get the pharmacist to have a look....don't want it getting infected hope it feels easier this morning....

 

Got stung by a spider last year on my shin, the bump rose about two inches off my skin. It was red and you could actually mold it in to different shapes, pretty weird.

I reckon a bite of some kind.

 

Just to clarify DON'T mold your swollen bump into different shapes...it doesn't help.