Stinging nettle is a plant you may come across while hiking along trails or in the woods in the Eastern or Western United States. It belongs to the plant family, Urticaceae, which cause the vast majority of plant-induced hives (urticaria is the medical term for hives).
For immediate relief, spreading mud on the area helps, or back at home or camp one can apply a paste of baking soda and water, calamine lotion or milk of magnesia. Topical antihistamines or corticosteroids may also be helpful.
The leaves and stems of this bush are covered with tiny silky hairs called trichomes. When brushing up against the plant, the bulb of the trichomes dislodges to reveal a sharp, hypodermic needle-like point.
As a defense mechanism, these tips release irritant chemical cocktails filled with noxious substances including, histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, to ward off herbivores and other pests. These substances cause a rapid toxin-mediated urticarial response that causes skin irritation, itchiness and burning.
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