Blister beetle dermatitis | |
---|---|
Specialty | Dermatology |
Blister beetle dermatitis is a cutaneous condition that occurs after contact with any of several types of beetles, including those from the Meloidae and Oedemeridae families.[1]: 449 Blister beetles secrete an irritant called cantharidin, a vesicant that can get onto humans if they touch the beetles.
The term "blister beetle dermatitis" is also occasionally and inappropriately used as a synonym for Paederus dermatitis, a somewhat different dermatitis caused by contact with pederin, an irritant in the hemolymph of a different group of beetles, the rove beetles.[2]
After skin comes in contact with cantharidin, local irritation begins within a few hours.[3] (This is in contrast to Paederus dermatitis, where symptoms first appear 12–36 hours after contact with rove beetles.)[4] Painful blisters appear, but scarring from these epidermal lesions is rare.[5]
Typical Vesicles/Blister at site where beetle salivates.[citation needed]
Wash with soap and water. Cold application Topical Steroid and Antihistamines application.[citation needed]