While nettle stings do contain formic acid, they also contain histamine, which being an amine is basic/alkaline.
I suspect the histamine is responsible for more of the irritation than any formic acid present, which is why antihistamines work against nettle stings - they block the receptors, preventing the body's reaction to the sting.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2010-08-02 01:42 am (UTC)I suspect the histamine is responsible for more of the irritation than any formic acid present, which is why antihistamines work against nettle stings - they block the receptors, preventing the body's reaction to the sting.