A doctor advised people to cover their arms and legs outdoors after a woman developed skin rashes caused by an allergic reaction to caterpillar bristles.
A Taipei woman who keeps a garden on the patio of her building was diagnosed with caterpillar dermatitis after seeking medical help due to the rashes on her arms accompanied by severe itching.
The rashes were likely caused by the bristles of the caterpillars in her garden, said Wang Kuo-hsien (王國憲), a dermatologist at Taipei Medical University Hospital.
Photo courtesy of Taipei Medical University Hospital
Based on the suddenness and severity of the outbreak, the caterpillars must be moth larvae, Wang said.
The woman’s condition improved after taking antihistamine pills and applying topical steroids prescribed by the hospital.
Contrary to the popular belief that caterpillar dermatitis can only be caused by caterpillars crawling on bare skin, Wang said that as long as human skin comes into contact with the bristles of a caterpillar, it could cause rashes.
The skin’s allergic reaction to caterpillar bristles is not immediate, Wang said, adding that sometimes it can take up to two to three days for the effects to show.
The rashes are often seen on the shoulders, the back and arms, Wang said.
As the insect reproduces in the spring, the season usually sees a spike in the number of cases of caterpillar dermatitis, Wang said, advising the public to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants during outdoor activities.
“If someone comes into contact with caterpillar bristles outside, they should take a shower immediately after returning home,” Wang said.
People who come into direct contact with caterpillars should not swat them and instead remove them carefully, he said.
After the caterpillar is removed, they should wash the area with water, he said.
Should rashes develop, they can mitigate the itching by applying a cold compress or rubbing Mentholatum Ointment on the area before seeing a doctor, he said.
They should avoid scratching the affected area, as breaking the skin could lead to bacterial infections, Wang said.
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