Health Encyclopedia

Caterpillars

Definition

Caterpillars (long, fuzzy, segmented insects) are unable to pierce the skin with their bite. However, their hairs may get into the skin or eyes, causing symptoms in the area where the hairs entered.

Problems also can occur if someone breathes in caterpillar hairs that have been released into the air, or eats caterpillars.

Symptoms

Eyes
- Pain
- Redness
- Tearing
Gastrointestinal
- Drooling
- Mouth and throat irritation
- Vomiting, if caterpillar or caterpillar hairs are eaten
Nervous System
- Headache
Respiratory System
- Cough
- Rhinitis
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Skin
- Blisters
- Hives
- Itching
- Rash
- Redness
Whole body
- Pain
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis -- rare)
- Swelling

Home Treatment

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.

Flush the eyes immediately with plenty of water before seeking professional medical help.

If you develop respiratory symptoms after inhaling caterpillar hairs, take beta-agonist inhalers or antihistamines (if available), then seek professional medical care.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Type of 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 United States 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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

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

Expectations (prognosis)

The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery. The outcome is usually very good.

Review Date:2/7/2008
Reviewed By:Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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).

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