What is the name of the acidic substances used to treat nettle and wasp stings which contain bases?

sequoianoir

A wasp sting is alkaline but a nettle sting is acidic, so is not possible to use the same substance on both for a treatment by neutralization. An alkaline that will NOT disolve in water then it is called a 'base'. If it will disolve in water then it is called an 'alkali'. The treatment for a wasp, is to neutralize the alkaline sting by the application of an acid so that the two of them cancel each other out. Vinegar (acetic acid) or lemon juice (citric acid) is often used. The stinging hairs on nettle are sharp polished spines that contain histamine, methanoic acid and formic acid, irritating chemicals that are released when the plant comes in contact with the skin. These acids need to be neutralised with an alkali such as baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) or a dilute solution of ammonia. If you are wondering where you might obtain a dilute solution of ammonia? URINE ! Feb 21 03, 12:53 AM

Friar Tuck

While the hairs, or spines, of the stinging nettle are normally very painful to the touch, when they come into contact with an area of the body that is already in pain, the chemicals can actually decrease the original pain. This is why stinging nettle is called a counterirritant. Applying juice from the stinging nettle to the skin can actually relieve painful nettle stings or insect bites. http://www.healthandage.com/html/res/com/ConsHerbs/StingingNettlech.html Feb 21 03, 7:58 AM

Siskin

I've always used Dock leaves for treating Nettle stings and rashes - Nature obligingly lets them grow together. Vinegar for Wasps. Feb 21 03, 12:32 PM

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