Health Encyclopedia

Caterpillars

Definition

Caterpillars (long, fuzzy, segmented insects) are unable to pierce the skin with their bite. However, their hairs may become embedded in the skin or eyes, causing symptoms confined to the area of the penetration.

Some caterpillar hairs can be released into the air, where they can be inhaled causing respiratory irritation. Eating caterpillars may cause an upset stomach.

Symptoms

Body as a whole:

Swelling
Pain
Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction, rare)

Nervous System

Headache

Skin:

Rash
Redness
Itching
Hives
Blisters

Eyes:

Pain
Redness
Tearing

Respiratory System:

Rhinitis
Cough
Wheezing
Shortness of breath

Gastrointestinal:

Vomiting, if caterpillar or caterpillar hairs are eaten
Mouth and throat irritation
Drooling

Home Treatment

The objective is to remove irritating caterpillar hairs. On skin, apply adhesive tape (such as duct or masking tape) to the site, then pull off. Repeat as needed until all hairs are removed. Follow with calamine lotion, and apply ice to the affected area.

Eyes should be flushed immediately with plenty of water before seeking professional medical care. If respiratory symptoms develop following inhalation of caterpillar hairs, administer beta-agonist inhalers or antihistamines (if available), then seek professional medical care.

Before Calling Emergency

Before calling the emergency number determine the following:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Identity of the caterpillar, if possible
Time of the incident

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

Treatment for any allergic reaction
Skin exam to remove all caterpillar hairs
Medications to control pain and itching
Eye flushing with water or saline
Topical anesthetic (numbing) drops
Eye examination
Supplemental oxygen
Inhaled bronchodilator medications

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome is generally very good, and death is exceedingly rare.

Review Date:5/8/2006
Reviewed By:Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.