Cutaneous reactions to caterpillars (Q105211)

Adult moths and butterflies rarely cause cutaneous reactions but their caterpillars may cause injury through penetration of their setae (spines or hairs) into the skin. In some families (Megalopygidae, Arctiidae and Saturniidae) these contain venom and produce a toxic cutaneous or, more rarely, systemic reaction (erucism). The reaction seen depends on the species and ranges from immediate irritation, pain or burning to delayed urticaria and oedema, ankylosis of finger joints (Premolis spp.), and severe systemic coagulation defects (Lonomia spp.)