Stinging Nettle is a common weed.

It's found in gardens, waste areas, near

where animals live, and around moist

areas such as creeks.

How they look like: Stinging Nettles

grow in shady areas. They have

a straight, tall stem and heart shaped

coarsely toothed leaves. In spring, tiny

clusters of greenish flowers form where

the leaves and stem meet and the unbranched

stalk covered with stinging

hairs.

How it attacks: This plant has hollow

hairs on the underside of its leaves, on

its stem and on the veins along the top

part of its leaves. When you brush past

the plant, these tiny hairs break off in

your skin and release formic acid into

your skin. This causes a stinging sensation,

as well as redness, white bumps

and itchiness that can last up to 24

hours.

How to treat it:

• Wash the area with soap and water as

soon as possible to relieve the sting and

remove the nettle hairs. If no water is

available, clean the area with a cloth or

other available material.

• Apply a paste of baking soda and

water.

• Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy

areas.

• Use cool, light, bedding and clothing

as this will help relieve itching.

• Avoid extreme heat – have lukewarm

baths and showers.

• Apply cold compress.

• Ask your doctor about taking antihistamines

to help ease your recovery.

For more information: Please contact

Environment Health Officer-MCA at

613-575-2341 ext. 3226.