Why Do Browntail Moth Hairs Itch? Warning: If you currently have respiratory issues from these hairs, get off the web and dial 911. I got a few of these browntail moth hairs on me and wondered what all of you wonder. Why does this cause my skin so many issues? Is it just mechanical? Little sharp browntail hairs stabbing into your skin. Ow. End of story? Nope. " The present findings are consistent with the idea that the nettling hairs may serve as microneedles from which irritant substances may be liberated when penetrating into the skin, and that the resulting inflammatory reactions are attributable to combined mechanical and toxic effects ." So even as the skin is healing, the toxic effects happening under your skin are continuing. All of the current treatments are basically treating the skin itself without treating the underlying toxins. Oh, I know. Roll your eyes. "Toxins" is a very broad term. So what are we dealing with in these little hairs? I found