The larvae of butterflies and moths, caterpillars are sometimes responsible for skin, eye, and systemic reactions in humans. Caterpillars do not sting like bees, hornets, or wasps, but they do cause irritation and allergic reactions in people by the "breakaway" spines or hairs that can inadvertently be implanted in the skin. Some caterpillars contain venoms located in their hairs and spines.
Most reactions range from mild dermatitis to erythemas and urticarial reactions, although contact with the South American saturniid moth or Lonomia caterpillars can cause consumptive coagulopathy, intracerebral hemorrhage, and acute renal failure. Lepidopterism refers to a systemic reaction to caterpillars and is characterized by a more widespread erythema or urticaria, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, conjunctivitis, and possibly headache. Caterpillar injuries have occurred worldwide and are more frequently reported in the Americas, China, Europe, and Australia.
Caterpillar hairs can also become airborne and cause outbreaks or small "epidemics" of dermatitis or urticaria simultaneous in many people. During the 1980s, the gypsy moth caterpillar caused outbreaks in New England. In addition to the skin findings, symptoms of caterpillar reactions include localized skin pain, pruritus, radiating pain toward the regional lymph nodes, paresthesias, and even muscle spasms. Most symptoms resolve within 24 hours.
Specific caterpillars and their geographic range include the following:
Saddleback caterpillar (Sibine stimulea) Saddlebacks are one of the most common stinging caterpillars in the United States. Saddlebacks are relatively small, 2-3 cm in length, and have a prominent bright green midsection. These caterpillars are active in later summer and early fall throughout most of North America. Saddlebacks cause a painful "sting" associated with redness and edema.
Gypsy moth caterpillar (Lymantria dispar) Gypsy moth caterpillars and other related tussock moth caterpillars are found in the United States, Europe, and Australia. These caterpillars can cause urticaria and dermatitis.
Io moth caterpillar (Automeris io) The io moth caterpillar is found throughout the United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. The io moth caterpillar causes immediate pruritus and stinging of the involved skin. Reactions are transient and quickly resolve without systemic complications. The io moth caterpillar is 5-6 cm in length and pale yellow to green in color with red legs.
Buck moth caterpillar (Hemileuca maia) The buck moth caterpillar has urticating spines and causes radiating pain similar to the saddleback caterpillar sting. There is localized edema and erythema. The buck moth caterpillar is 5-6 cm in length and has a brown to black body with white to yellow dots.
Lonomia South American moth caterpillar (Lonomia obliqua and Lonomia achelous) Lonomia South American moth caterpillars can cause a life-threatening consumptive coagulopathy as described in the introduction to this synopsis. The caterpillars are found in Brazil, Venezuela, and Argentina and are 5-6 cm in length; they can be various colors but are usually brown or green.
Processionary tree caterpillar / Oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillar These are a family of caterpillars found worldwide. Processionary tree caterpillars have urticating hairs that cause outbreaks of dermatitis, allergic reactions, and rarely ophthalmia nodosa when hairs from the caterpillar penetrate the cornea.
Puss caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis) The puss caterpillar is the larval form of the flannel moth that inhabits the southeastern United States and Latin America. It is the most dangerous caterpillar in the United States. Its sting can cause excruciating local pain as well as systemic symptoms.
Codes
ICD10CM: L24.89 – Irritant contact dermatitis due to other agents
Caterpillar dermatitis is the irritation of the skin or eyes resulting from the hairs and sharp spines of some types of caterpillars. Caterpillars are not capable of stinging, however, these hairs and spines are developed for defense against predators and can cause irritation or transmit toxins to humans.
Who’s At Risk
You are at risk if you are outdoors and are exposed to caterpillars, especially stinging caterpillars in the United States and other locations worldwide.
Caterpillar hairs can be spread through the air, so it is possible to get a sting without actually touching a caterpillar.
You are at risk of more severe reactions if you are in a region where you might come in contact with more dangerous caterpillars, such as the puss caterpillar in the southeastern United States, or a venomous South American moth caterpillar.
Signs & Symptoms
Common symptoms of reactions to caterpillars are:
Itchy skin rashes
Painful red bumps
Stinging
Less common, but more severe reaction is called lepidopterism. Symptoms may include:
Widespread red, itchy skin rash
Nausea and vomiting
Wheezing
Eye redness
Headache
Lonomia caterpillar stings (South America) can cause dangerous internal symptoms:
Bleeding
Intracerebral hemorrhage
Kidney failure
Self-Care Guidelines
Sticky tape can be used to remove any remaining caterpillar hairs from the site. The area should then be washed with soap and water. To relieve stinging, you can take oral medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or apply ice to the site.
When to Seek Medical Care
If the affected area continues to get more painful or does not improve with time, seek medical attention.
Treatments
Typically caterpillar stings resolve with time.
For more severe reactions, your health care provider may recommend or prescribe topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, or other medication to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Patient Information for Caterpillar dermatitis in Adult