A Rare Case of Impaired Consciousness, Compartment Syndrome and Rhabdomyolisis Following Local Dermal Exposure to Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica)

Abstract

Urtica dioica (UD) belongs to the family Urticaceae and is also known as “Stinging Nettle”. Nettle ‘stings’ cause a burning sensation, erythema and edema within three to five minutes post-exposure, followed by pruritus. Its local effects and the burning, itching sensation usually fade within one or two hours. These symptoms are attributed to acetylcholine, formic acid, acetic acid, serotonin, histamine, and leukotrienes released from root, stalk, and leaves of the plant. Even though its local irritant effect is known to be limited to the effected area, in this report, we present a case of a 80-year-old female patient with severe delayed local and systemic reactions following unintentional UD exposure.