page_title: Urticating hair
section_title: Human reactions to urticating hair contact
hierarchical_section_title: Urticating hair / Human reactions to urticating hair contact
caption_attribution_description: Rash caused by searching something in a Prunus sp. bush infested with Euproctis Chrysorrhoea catterpillars (larvae) in different stages (mostly the last one)
context_page_description: Urticating hairs or urticating bristles are one of the primary defense mechanisms used by numerous plants, almost all New World tarantulas, and various lepidopteran caterpillars. Urtica is Latin for "nettle", and bristles that urticate are characteristic of this type of plant, and many other plants in several families. This term also refers to certain types of barbed bristles that cover the dorsal and posterior surface of a tarantula's or caterpillar's abdomen. Many tarantula species eject bristles from their abdomens, directing them toward potential attackers. These bristles can embed themselves in the other animal's skin or eyes, causing physical irritation, usually to great discomfort. The term urticating hairs is a misnomer, as technically only mammals possess true hairs.
context_section_description: In humans, urticating hairs can cause allergic skin reactions which can manifest as inflammation, rash and itching. The reactions can last for several hours to weeks. Ophthalmia nodosa, an irritation reaction, can result when the barbed bristles lodge in the cornea. Handlers are advised to wear eye protection.
caption: Skin rash caused by the exposure to bristles shed by brown-tail moth larvae
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