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erucism (caterpillar dermatitis)
Etiology:
- envenomation by catepillars of moths or butterflies (order Lepidoptera)
Epidemiology:
- multiple venomous species of catepillars in the U.S. & throughout the world
- most are found in temperate & tropical climates
Clinical manifestations:
- rash is most common manifestation
Complications:
- allergic conjunctivitis or bronchospasm may occur if airborne hairs from a caterpillar contact a person's eyes or are inhaled
- reports of anaphylaxis
Management:
- antihistamines
- topical glucocorticoids
General
dermatitis
envenomation
References
- French RN, Brillhart D
IMAGES IN CLINICAL MEDICINE.
Erucism Due to Lepidoptera Caterpillar Envenomation.
N Engl J Med 2015; 373:e21. October 29, 2015
PMID: 26510046
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm1414613