nettle-rash

A child has a nettle-rash on their arm after playing in the garden.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A skin condition: "nettle-rash" refers to an eruption of itchy, red, raised patches on the skin, also known medically as urticaria. It is often caused by an allergic reaction, stress, or irritation, and it resembles the stinging sensation of a nettle plant.

Usage Examples

• (An allergic reaction causing red, itchy welts.)
• (Medical identification of urticaria.)
• (Emotional factors causing the skin condition.)

Advanced Usage

• "An outbreak of nettle-rash": a sudden appearance of the condition.

  • The patient experienced an outbreak of nettle-rash after using a new soap. (A sudden episode of urticaria.)

• "To break out in a nettle-rash": to develop the condition suddenly.

  • He broke out in a nettle-rash after touching the plant. (He developed itchy welts immediately.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nettle (n): a plant with stinging hairs that cause a similar skin irritation.

  • Be careful not to touch the nettle in the garden. (A plant that stings.)

• Rash (n): a general term for any skin eruption or outbreak.

  • She had a heat rash from sweating. (A skin condition not specifically urticaria.)

Synonyms

• Urticaria: the medical term for nettle-rash.

  • The doctor wrote "urticaria" on the prescription. (The formal name.)

• Hives: a common informal term for nettle-rash.

  • The child had hives after eating peanuts. (Red, itchy welts on the skin.)

Related Idioms

• "To get a nettle-rash": to become irritated or annoyed (figurative usage).
  • His constant complaining gave me a nettle-rash. (Figurative: caused irritation or annoyance.)