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Home » Topics A–Z » Skin problems due to caterpillars and moths
Author: Marie Hartley, Staff Writer, 2010.
Moths and butterflies, and their larvae, caterpillars, belong to the order Lepidoptera. Although there are an estimated 125,000 to 150,000 different species in this order, very few are capable of causing adverse reactions in humans. Caterpillars are responsible for the vast majority of adverse reactions. Adult moths are less commonly implicated, and adult butterflies do not appear to be responsible for any adverse reactions in humans.
In most cases, adverse reactions to caterpillars and moths are mild and resolve spontaneously. Reactions from contact with caterpillars or moths can be classified based on the predominant symptoms.
Type of reaction | Clinical features |
---|---|
Localised stinging reaction |
|
Papular urticaria and dermatitis |
|
Urticarial weals |
|
Widespread haemorrhage (bleeding) |
|
Biting moths |
|
Ophthalmia nodosa |
|
Oral exposure |
|
Dendrolimiasis and pararamose |
|
A diagnosis of a reaction to a caterpillar or moth is very difficult to make. The clinical features are non-specific and mimic those of many other insect bites, allergic reactions, and dermatological conditions. Features which may make the diagnosis more likely include:
Laboratory tests are generally not helpful.
General first aid measures include:
There is no specific treatment for most caterpillar and moth reactions (the only exception is the widespread haemorrhagic illness due to Lonomia caterpillars, for which there is an antivenom).
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