Difference between revisions of "Treat a Caterpillar Sting"
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| − | + | More than 50 species of [[Care for a Caterpillar|caterpillars]] in the United States are capable of inflicting a painful sting.<ref name="rf16044">emedicine, Caterpillar Envenomation, http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/772949-overview</ref> Caterpillars, the adolescent forms of moths and butterflies, often have stinging fibers and hairs as a form of protection against predators; sometimes these also contain toxins as well as being penetrating when released.<ref name="rf16045">DermNet NZ, Skin problems due to caterpillars and moths, http://dermnetnz.org/arthropods/caterpillars.html</ref> | |
The slightest brush can cause contact dermatitis, pain, and itching. Being actively attacked by a caterpillar and stung can be very painful, depending on the species. Luckily, this injury is usually not serious in most people, but the pain and itching should be treated promptly, and if you have any allergy problems, it is wise to pay careful attention to your reactions. | The slightest brush can cause contact dermatitis, pain, and itching. Being actively attacked by a caterpillar and stung can be very painful, depending on the species. Luckily, this injury is usually not serious in most people, but the pain and itching should be treated promptly, and if you have any allergy problems, it is wise to pay careful attention to your reactions. | ||
[[Category:Butterflies and Moths]] | [[Category:Butterflies and Moths]] | ||
| − | [[Category:Stings Bites and Burns]] | + | [[Category: Stings Bites and Burns]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
# Understand the types of reactions that are possible with a caterpillar sting:<ref name="rf16044" /> | # Understand the types of reactions that are possible with a caterpillar sting:<ref name="rf16044" /> | ||
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#*Spitfire caterpillar (Australia): This caterpillar can shoot a liquid as well as causing contact dermatitis if the hairs get into the skin and break off.<ref name="rf16050">Children, Youth, and Women's Health Services, Bites and Stings, http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=305&id=1813</ref> | #*Spitfire caterpillar (Australia): This caterpillar can shoot a liquid as well as causing contact dermatitis if the hairs get into the skin and break off.<ref name="rf16050">Children, Youth, and Women's Health Services, Bites and Stings, http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=305&id=1813</ref> | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
