Lepidopterism — oak processionary caterpillar dermatitis: Appearance after indirect out‐of‐season contact

Abstract

Lepidopterism by contact with oak processionary caterpillars is becoming more frequent in Germany and is often described in the lay press. The hairs of the adolescent caterpillars cause localized and generalized mechanic-irritative, toxic and allergic skin reactions. We describe the oak processionary caterpillar dermatitis in a married couple caused by indirect contact via their dog's saliva, after the dog had oral contact with an abandoned caterpillar nest in winter and became ill. Accordingly, the recommendation for prophylaxis by avoiding contact with oak processionary caterpillars has to be extended beyond the direct contact with caterpillars in summer.

Caterpillar dermatitis revisited: lepidopterism after contact with oak processionary caterpillar

“…The dissemination of caterpillar hairs through the air or by contact with contaminated clothes is possible. One remarkable case is caterpillar dermatitis in a couple caused by indirect contact via their dog’s saliva after the dog had played with a fallen caterpillar nest 6. In the case of the children presented here, the younger brother was also affected without direct contact to the caterpillars but only by playing with his brother.…”

“…In Central Europe, it is predominantly found in sunny and dry hollows 1 6. Due to climate changes in the recent years and a tendency towards warmer summers, an ongoing broadening from southwest to northeast is probable 1 6. Presumably, the yearly incidence of 100–100 cases will rise too.…”

“…In Central Europe, the two main causes of caterpillar dermatitis are the oak and pine processionary caterpillar. Due to climate changes in the recent years and a tendency towards warmer summers, an ongoing broadening from southwest to northeast and an increase in cases with lepidopterism is probable 1 6. We present this case to show typical clinical signs and symptoms of lepidopterism that is still unfamiliar to many physicians.…”

Was haben Eichenprozessionsspinner‐Dermatitis und Quallen‐Dermatitis gemeinsam?

“…Durch die Berührung mit den Nesselhaaren kommt es zum Kontakt mit toxischen, histaminliberierenden und allergisierenden Proteinen, vor allem mit Thaumetopoein [2]. Infolgedessen entstehen stark juckende Erytheme, urtikarielle Papeln oder Bläschen, teilweise kommt es zu Allgemeinreaktionen wie Fieber und Kopfschmerzen und in seltenen Fällen zum anaphylaktischen Schock [3,4].…”

Ocular lesions produced by pine processionary caterpillar setae (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) in dogs: a descriptive study

“…The most common lesions in human are contact urticaria and papular rashes of the skin, but ocular and respiratory tract involvement has also been described . In dogs, the few case reports of PPC report glossitis and necrosis of the tongue as the most common lesion, although ocular and respiratory tract involvement is also briefly referred …”