Itchy Skin / Stinging Nettles

[homedeeth]

Since falling into a load of stinging nettles whilst on my bike Friday just gone, I have endured intense itchy skin. It was mainly my legs that took the stings and my forearms. My face itches too. I've not put any lotion of sorts on them because I really am skint at the moment and any monies I have go on food.
Any alternative remedies on offer? Bedtime is the worse

[tonyav]

Soap and water may help.

Home Remedies:
Before treating the allergy with medication, it may be worthwhile to try out some natural remedies instead. Following are some tried and tested home remedies that help cure the condition:
Wash the area with a gentle soap and cool water to alleviate the sting. If soap is not available, even plain water will do for temporary relief. In case you have no water on hand, rub your own saliva on the affected area immediately.
An old folk remedy to prevent stinging nettle rash is to use a mud pack for the skin.
Applying the spores from a fern leaf is believed to reduce the burning and itching caused by the nettle.
The chief irritant in stinging nettle is acidic. You can neutralize the effects of this type of sting by making a paste with baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the skin as soon as possible to soothe the rash and provide relief from pain and itching.
Plants such as curled dock or jewel-weed tend to grow around stinging nettle. If you do hike often or spend time outdoors, it is worthwhile to learn to recognize these plants as they can be used to treat stinging nettle allergies. Simply rub the leaves of these plants on the affected area of the skin to soothe burning and itching.
In some cases, the spines of the plant may attach to your skin. Check the exposed area of the skin closely and remove the spines using masking or duct tape. Press a piece of tape with the sticky side on the skin. Remove the tape and the spines along with it. After this is done, you can apply an antihistamine cream or even plain vinegar to the area to prevent inflammation and redness.
Other herbal remedies for stinging nettle allergy include crushed plantain leaf to reduce the inflammation and lemon balm leaves or Melissa Officinalis to ease the burning and stinging.
You could also apply some alkaline products like cucumber and lettuce to soothe the burning, pain, and irritation.

[Mamyalynne]

Have you any Bi-Carb or Baking powder?

If so, make a paste with cold water and paint it on.

[tamborine]

Rub with dock leaves

http://identifythatplant.com/what-is-yellow-dock/

[Georgiesmum]

If you havent got cats or dogs in your close family, put TCP on it.