stinging hairs
Nettle's defensive bristles
Stinging hairs are fine, needle-like structures on certain plants that inject irritating chemicals when touched.
The hairs break off in the skin and release substances that cause burning, itching, or rash.
Nettles are the most familiar plants with stinging hairs: I brushed against some nettles and the stinging hairs left welts on my arm.
- nettleBristled plant; to annoy
- urticariaRaised itchy skin welts
- allergic reactionImmune system's hostile response
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
- trichomesEpidermal outgrowths on plants
prickly · rash · itch · burn · welt · caterpillar · woolly bear · bristles · skin contact · venom · skin · brush · burning sensation · touch · swell · red · painful · defense