Hay mites or allergic reaction (human not bunny)

I opened a new bag of hay a few days ago and I'm very itchy for a while after handling it, little lumps appear similar to nettle stings. I can't see any mites or dirt, Is it likely that or could it just be rough bits of hay irritating my skin? I was absolutely fine with the last lot which seems to be the same makeup and coarseness as this one. I can't see any bites on the rabbits and they don't seem to be itching. Really hope it's not mites because it's an enormous bag I just paid for

There may be some bits of thistle or other bits of weed seeds / hairs causing a reaction.
Can you wear rubber gloves and shake it outside to see if that helps?

The exact same thing happened to me yesterday! :shock: I think it could've been thistle or something as Shimmer said!

I get awful grass rash :thumb: I have eczema anyway but it's not too bad, but if I do anything in long grass for a while I end up with a rash (not itchy though). When I move hay bales about without sleeves on I get poked a lot, and those tend to be itchy lumps!

keletkezes said:

I get awful grass rash :thumb: I have eczema anyway but it's not too bad, but if I do anything in long grass for a while I end up with a rash (not itchy though). When I move hay bales about without sleeves on I get poked a lot, and those tend to be itchy lumps!

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Me too. My eczema is particularly bad at the moment, which I think is partly due to the colder weather. I get the same itchy lumps though with grass and most plants if I don't have sleeves on.

I think it's the rough bits of hay which are causing a reaction to your skin. You haven't said if the rash is where your skin has touched the hay. If it is I would be confident that this is the cause.