Urticating Hair - Human Reactions To Urticating Hair Contact

Human Reactions To Urticating Hair Contact

In humans a defensive cloud of urticating hairs can cause allergic skin reactions which can manifest as inflammation, rash and/or itching. The reactions can last for several hours or days. A chemical influence upon the skin and mucous membranes explains the different reactions of people to urticating hairs (Rick West, 2002).

It seems likely the hairs cause an accumulative reaction in people.

A solution of 2–2.5% hydrocortisone cream applied to the affected area may help relieve the symptoms.

A more serious consequence is urticating hair in the eyes. Ophthalmia nodosa, an irritation reaction, can result when the barbed hairs lodge in the cornea. In this case it is necessary to immediately wash the eye thoroughly with copious amounts of cold water and see an ophthalmologist. Handlers are advised to wear eye protection.

Read more about this topic:  Urticating Hair

Famous quotes containing the words human, reactions, hair and/or contact:

    Martha: “What is Autumn?” Jan: “A second spring, where the leaves imitate the flowers. Maybe it would be so too with human beings that you would see bloom if only you helped them with your patience.”
    Albert Camus (1913–1960)

    Separation anxiety is normal part of development, but individual reactions are partly explained by experience, that is, by how frequently children have been left in the care of others.... A mother who is never apart from her young child may be saying to him or her subliminally: “You are only safe when I’m with you.”
    Cathy Rindner Tempelsman (20th century)

    do not sleep
    he wants to climb out of the toilet when you sit on it
    and make a home in the embarrassed hair do not sleep
    he wants you to walk into him as into a dark fire.
    Anne Sexton (1928–1974)

    ... for the modern soul, for which it is mere child’s play to bridge oceans and continents, there is nothing so impossible as to find the contact with the souls dwelling just around the corner.
    Robert Musil (1880–1942)