Treatment of Nettle rash

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Acute urticaria

When the activating trigger can be identified, this should be avoided in future to prevent further attacks.
A cool bath and soothing lotions (e.g. calamine, 1% menthol aqueous cream) may ease the itch
The rash usually disappears within a few hours to a few days and further treatment may be unnecessary
Antihistamine tablets may be prescribed. Antihistamines blocks the action of histamine (one of the chemicals causing the rash) being released so reduce the symptoms. There are many different types. The older ones often caused drowsiness, however some newer ones are much less likely to cause drowsiness and can be taken regularly.
Oral steroids may be prescribed for a short while during very severe flare-ups. However, it is not a usual treatment due to the serious side effects likely to occur if steroids are taken regularly. Avoid any aggravating factors.
Hot conditions usually make the condition worse.

Chronic urticaria

Antihistamine tablets may be necessary for prolonged periods. Reports of serious side effects are rare. Antihistamine tablets may need to be taken for as long as urticaria persists.
Anti-immune treatments are being tested in a few most severely affected people in specialist centres. These are still in the experimental stage.
Oral steroids may again be prescribed for a short while when symptoms during very severe flare-ups.

If Angioedema occurs, antihistamines usually help. Occasionally, an adrenaline injection and emergency hospital treatment is necessary if breathing becomes severely affected.