The aim of this study was to describe the clinical effects from caterpillar exposures within Australia. In the case of potentially fatal Lonomia envenomation, an effective antivenin has been manufactured.Įxposure to caterpillars results in a variety of clinical effects depending on the species involved. Antipruritic or anesthetic topical preparations, topical steroids, and oral antihistamines are often used. In most cases, reactions to Lepidoptera can be treated symptomatically with prompt removal of offending hairs. Specific syndromes caused by Lepidoptera include erucism (cutaneous reactions from contact with caterpillars, moths, or cocoons), lepidopterism (systemic involvement), ophthalmia nodosa (ocular involvement), dendrolimiasis and pararamose (each with joint symptoms relating to a specific species of caterpillar), lonomism (a severe hemorrhagic disease related to Lonomia species), and seasonal ataxia (related to ingestion of Anaphe venata).
Most reactions to Lepidoptera are mild and self-limited however, reactions in sensitive individuals and reactions to particular species can be severe and life threatening. Lepidoptera (moths, butterflies, and caterpillars) are an uncommon cause of adverse reactions in humans. It also discusses current therapeutic options regarding each pattern of disease. Part II discusses the specific clinical patterns caused by Lepidopteran exposures, with particular emphasis on groups of caterpillars and moths that cause a similar pattern of disease. It also reviews the known pathomechanisms of disease caused by Lepidopteran exposures and how they relate to diagnosis and management.
Float like a butterfly sting like a bee series#
Part I of this two-part series on caterpillars and moths reviews Lepidopteran life cycles, terminology, and the epidemiology of caterpillar and moth envenomation. Lepidoptera are uncommonly recognized causes of localized stings, eczematous or papular dermatitis, and urticaria. The pathologic mechanisms underlying reactions to Lepidoptera are poorly understood. Caterpillars, and occasionally moths, have evolved defense mechanisms, including irritating hairs, spines, venoms, and toxins that may cause human disease. Treatment is supportive and includes washing the site with soap and water, applying cold water compresses, and administering topical or oral antihistamines or corticosteroids.Ĭaterpillars are the larval forms of moths and butterflies and belong to the order Lepidoptera.
Float like a butterfly sting like a bee skin#
The bristles are hollow and when they enter the skin and break, toxins that contain thermolabile proteins, proteolytic enzymes and histamine are released. The lesions are provoked by caterpillar bristles filled with toxins that penetrate the skin.
Rash is the most common clinical manifestation and can range from a mild itching to a very painful sting. Caterpillars transmit their venom through urticating hairs, spines, or setae distributed over their bodies. Erucism, also called caterpillar dermatitis, is caused by envenomation by the larval or pupal stages of moths or butterflies. Two weeks after the accident, on the final follow-up visit, the patient showed no late effects. The patient received prednisone 40 mg/day and loratadine 10mg/day for 5 and 10 days, respectively. Physical examination revealed an erythematous infiltrated plaque with moderate swelling and an urticarial eruption with some excoriations on left upper limb (B, C) patient had a pulse rate of 78/min, blood pressure of 108/64 mmHg and respiratory rate of 15/min. The patient was sitting next to a mango tree and inadvertently put her left arm over a caterpillar. She has past history of anaphylactic shock to bee sting two years ago. A 12-year-old girl was assessed because of a 1-hour history of severe pruritus after contact with a cup moth (A).
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