Caterpillar Sting- An Overview

Introduction:

Caterpillars are tiny creatures that cause stings. Sometimes unintentionally, the caterpillar comes in contact with a human while working in a yard or garden. Caterpillar exposure is mostly due to the presence of their spines or tiny hair on the body. These hair or spines have the potential to cause symptoms such as itching, rash, and pain. Some of the caterpillars have the potential to cause even allergic reactions. Prevention of caterpillar exposure is difficult as they usually feed on leaves. The diagnosis of caterpillar sting is made by getting a recent history of contact with caterpillars or moths.

What Is a Caterpillar?

Caterpillars are the immature phases of moths and butterflies that are often incorporated with barbed and spine hooks. Caterpillars are found in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Caterpillars mainly feed on leaves as they come from eggs before developing into pupa and adult moths. Most of the caterpillars are harmless but can cause an allergic reaction to the skin, eyes, or lungs. The stinging caterpillars contain hollow quill-like hair, which possesses a poison sac that causes reactions ranging from mild itching to severe pain, dermatitis, swelling, blistering and intestinal disturbance. Examples of stinging caterpillars are the saddleback caterpillar, crowned slug caterpillar, io moth caterpillar, hag moth caterpillar, puss caterpillar, spiny elm caterpillar, stinging rose caterpillar, Nason's slug caterpillar, smeared dagger moth caterpillar, buck moth caterpillar, spiny oak slug caterpillar and white marked tussock moth caterpillar.

Are Caterpillars Harmful?

Caterpillars are small and sleek creatures and are harmful because of the presence of spines and hair in caterpillar’s bodies. These hair or spine have the capability to produce allergic reactions, itching, and rashes. They can come accidentally in contact with human skin. Detached hair, when inhaled accidentally, can cause difficulty breathing and irritation in some cases. The reactions occurring due to caterpillar stings are usually mild to severe but are not fatal. The dangerous caterpillars usually have bright hue colors.

What Are the Characteristics of Caterpillar Hair?

Caterpillar hair is teardrop shaped, silky, and resembles a tuft of fur or cotton. When the caterpillar hair is pressed or rubbed against the human skin, it can get embedded and cause itching or allergic reaction in the human.

What Is the Other Name for Hairy Caterpillars?

The other name for hairy caterpillars is a wooly slug, possum bug, or puss caterpillar.

What Happens When Caterpillar Hair Comes in Contact With the Skin?

The hair or spine in some caterpillar species are quills connected to the poisonous sac. Whenever the hair is touched, they break and release small doses of toxin.

Is Caterpillar Sting Contagious?

The caterpillar sting is not contagious in nature. It causes various symptoms, which are usually relieved in a shorter period of time.

How Long Does A Caterpillar Sting Last?

Skin contact with caterpillar hair may produce a variety of symptoms, such as numbness, inflammation, swelling, bleeding, and intense pain in some cases. The caterpillar sting lasts for twelve hours or more, depending upon the sensitivity of the person.

Which Caterpillars Are Not Poisonous?

The caterpillars that are not poisonous are green caterpillars. They do not even sting or bite and are harmless. They are beneficial to the environment as they act as pollinators for many plants.

Which Is the Most Dangerous Caterpillar?

The most dangerous caterpillar is found in the United States and is named Megalopyge opercularis. It is found throughout Maryland to Mexico and is most commonly seen from June to October.

What Are Symptoms of Caterpillar Sting?

The symptoms of caterpillar sting are as follows:

• Contact dermatitis

• Itching.

• Rash.

• Hives.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Bleeding.

• Renal failure (refers to the non-functioning of one or both kidneys).

• Blister.

• Increased tears.

• Headache.

• Redness of eyes.

• Shortness of breath.

• Anaphylaxis (refers to a severe allergic reaction).

• Swelling.

What Is Caterpillar Dermatitis?

Caterpillar dermatitis is also known as lepidopterism, which is a disease caused by caterpillars. Its clinical signs and symptoms range from itching to allergic reactions.

How to Prevent Caterpillar Sting?

Caterpillar stings can be prevented by various methods:

• Avoid working in areas infested with caterpillars if possible.

• Wear gloves and a hat while gardening.

• Whenever the caterpillar sticks to the skin, it should be removed using a specific tool and never touch it with bare hands.

• Avoid sitting under trees.

• Wear full sleeves, cloth, and pants in an area infested with caterpillars.

• Pest control can be done in a large area infested with caterpillars.

How to Treat Caterpillar Exposure?

The ways to treat caterpillar exposure are :

• If a caterpillar lies on the skin, it should be removed without using a hand.

• The tape should be used and gently placed over the exposed area.

• The area affected by the caterpillar sting should be used, washed, and cleaned thoroughly.

• In case of itching, the area can be covered with water and baking soda.

• If the baking soda fails to relieve itching and rashes, Hydrocortisone cream can also be used to soothe the sting site.

• If the baking soda also fails, then Antihistamines cream can be used.

• Cold compression is another method used for caterpillar sting exposure and is applied on the site of the sting.

• Application of Lacto calamine lotion on areas with rashes.

• Rubbing alcohol on the surface of the affected area.

• Contact the doctor if the symptoms worsen.

Conclusion:

Caterpillars are usually seen during the autumn season. Most people consider earthworms to be harmless, but in reality, some of them cause adverse reactions in humans. Sometimes in order to protect themselves from predators, they develop hair or a spine. The stinging hair contains poison in the wound caused while protecting themselves. Direct contact with any species makes the caterpillar more vulnerable and reactive. Older caterpillars are more susceptible to causing stings. The reaction of caterpillar sting is usually mild and may last from a few hours to a few days. The intensity of severity depends upon the sensitivity of a person. The most serious illness associated with caterpillar sting is difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath. Ice packs, Hydrocortisone cream, baking soda, and Antihistamine creams are useful for managing caterpillar sting reactions.