Paederus dermatitis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Paederus dermatitis | |||
| image = [[File:PaederusDermatitis.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = Typical skin lesions caused by ''[[Paederus]]'' beetles | |||
| synonyms = Rove beetle dermatitis, Nairobi fly dermatitis | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Erythema]], [[blistering]], [[itching]], [[burning sensation]] | |||
| complications = [[Secondary infection]] | |||
| onset = Within 24 hours of contact | |||
| duration = 1-3 weeks | |||
| causes = Contact with ''[[Paederus]]'' beetles | |||
| risks = [[Tropical]] and [[subtropical]] regions, [[rainy season]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical examination | |||
| differential = [[Contact dermatitis]], [[herpes zoster]], [[impetigo]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of beetles, protective clothing | |||
| treatment = [[Topical corticosteroids]], [[antihistamines]], [[antibiotics]] for secondary infection | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in endemic areas | |||
}} | |||
== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
'''Paederus Dermatitis''' is a type of skin irritation caused by contact with beetles of the genus ''Paederus''. This dermatitis is not a result of a bite or a sting, but from exposure to pederin, a potent toxin released by the beetle when it is crushed against the skin. The condition is characterized by severe skin reactions and is commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions. | '''Paederus Dermatitis''' is a type of skin irritation caused by contact with beetles of the genus ''Paederus''. This dermatitis is not a result of a bite or a sting, but from exposure to pederin, a potent toxin released by the beetle when it is crushed against the skin. The condition is characterized by severe skin reactions and is commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions. | ||
== Overview of Paederus Dermatitis == | == Overview of Paederus Dermatitis == | ||
* '''Cause''': Triggered by the toxin pederin, produced by ''Paederus'' beetles. | * '''Cause''': Triggered by the toxin pederin, produced by ''Paederus'' beetles. | ||
* '''Mechanism''': The toxin is released when the beetle is crushed on the skin, causing a chemical burn. | * '''Mechanism''': The toxin is released when the beetle is crushed on the skin, causing a chemical burn. | ||
[[File:Paederus littoralis02.jpg|left|thumb|Paederus Beetle]] | |||
[[File:Paederus littoralis02.jpg|thumb | |||
== Identification of Paederus Beetles == | == Identification of Paederus Beetles == | ||
* ''Paederus'' beetles are small, often brightly colored, and are typically found near water sources or in areas with high humidity. | * ''Paederus'' beetles are small, often brightly colored, and are typically found near water sources or in areas with high humidity. | ||
* They are attracted to light, which often leads them into close contact with humans. | * They are attracted to light, which often leads them into close contact with humans. | ||
== Symptoms of Paederus Dermatitis == | == Symptoms of Paederus Dermatitis == | ||
* Initial symptoms include redness and burning sensation on the skin. | * Initial symptoms include redness and burning sensation on the skin. | ||
* Within 24 to 48 hours, severe blistering and lesions develop, resembling a burn. | * Within 24 to 48 hours, severe blistering and lesions develop, resembling a burn. | ||
* In some cases, the lesions can become infected, requiring further medical treatment. | * In some cases, the lesions can become infected, requiring further medical treatment. | ||
== Diagnosis and Treatment == | == Diagnosis and Treatment == | ||
* '''Diagnosis''': Generally diagnosed based on the appearance of the skin lesions and a history of potential contact with the beetle. | * '''Diagnosis''': Generally diagnosed based on the appearance of the skin lesions and a history of potential contact with the beetle. | ||
* '''Treatment''': Includes washing the affected area with soap and water, applying cold compresses, and using topical steroids to reduce inflammation. Antihistamines may be prescribed for itching. | * '''Treatment''': Includes washing the affected area with soap and water, applying cold compresses, and using topical steroids to reduce inflammation. Antihistamines may be prescribed for itching. | ||
== Prevention Strategies == | == Prevention Strategies == | ||
* Prevention involves avoiding contact with the beetles, using protective clothing, and installing screens or nets in beetle-prone areas. | * Prevention involves avoiding contact with the beetles, using protective clothing, and installing screens or nets in beetle-prone areas. | ||
* Awareness and education about these beetles in endemic areas can significantly reduce the incidence of dermatitis. | * Awareness and education about these beetles in endemic areas can significantly reduce the incidence of dermatitis. | ||
== Epidemiology and Distribution == | == Epidemiology and Distribution == | ||
* Paederus dermatitis is more common in tropical and subtropical regions where ''Paederus'' beetles are prevalent. | * Paederus dermatitis is more common in tropical and subtropical regions where ''Paederus'' beetles are prevalent. | ||
* Outbreaks often coincide with seasonal increases in beetle populations. | * Outbreaks often coincide with seasonal increases in beetle populations. | ||
== Public Health Implications == | == Public Health Implications == | ||
* While not life-threatening, the condition can cause significant discomfort and may impact daily activities. | * While not life-threatening, the condition can cause significant discomfort and may impact daily activities. | ||
* In regions where ''Paederus'' beetles are common, public health measures may be necessary to control their population and prevent dermatitis. | * In regions where ''Paederus'' beetles are common, public health measures may be necessary to control their population and prevent dermatitis. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references> | <references> | ||
| Line 38: | Line 49: | ||
* Patel, S. (2022). "Epidemiology of Paederus Dermatitis in Tropical Regions." ''Dermatology International''. 39(2), 120-126. | * Patel, S. (2022). "Epidemiology of Paederus Dermatitis in Tropical Regions." ''Dermatology International''. 39(2), 120-126. | ||
</references> | </references> | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/Docs/Pictorial_Keys/Beetles.pdf Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Beetle Identification Key] | * [https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/Docs/Pictorial_Keys/Beetles.pdf Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Beetle Identification Key] | ||
* [https://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/vector_ecology/pesticide-management/Paederus/en/ World Health Organization: Paederus Beetles] | * [https://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/vector_ecology/pesticide-management/Paederus/en/ World Health Organization: Paederus Beetles] | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Skin irritation]] | * [[Skin irritation]] | ||
| Line 48: | Line 57: | ||
* [[Entomology]] | * [[Entomology]] | ||
* [[Dermatology]] | * [[Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Insect bites and stings]] | [[Category:Insect bites and stings]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 15:45, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Paederus dermatitis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Rove beetle dermatitis, Nairobi fly dermatitis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Erythema, blistering, itching, burning sensation |
| Complications | Secondary infection |
| Onset | Within 24 hours of contact |
| Duration | 1-3 weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Contact with Paederus beetles |
| Risks | Tropical and subtropical regions, rainy season |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Contact dermatitis, herpes zoster, impetigo |
| Prevention | Avoidance of beetles, protective clothing |
| Treatment | Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, antibiotics for secondary infection |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in endemic areas |
| Deaths | N/A |
Introduction[edit]
Paederus Dermatitis is a type of skin irritation caused by contact with beetles of the genus Paederus. This dermatitis is not a result of a bite or a sting, but from exposure to pederin, a potent toxin released by the beetle when it is crushed against the skin. The condition is characterized by severe skin reactions and is commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions.
Overview of Paederus Dermatitis[edit]
- Cause: Triggered by the toxin pederin, produced by Paederus beetles.
- Mechanism: The toxin is released when the beetle is crushed on the skin, causing a chemical burn.

Identification of Paederus Beetles[edit]
- Paederus beetles are small, often brightly colored, and are typically found near water sources or in areas with high humidity.
- They are attracted to light, which often leads them into close contact with humans.
Symptoms of Paederus Dermatitis[edit]
- Initial symptoms include redness and burning sensation on the skin.
- Within 24 to 48 hours, severe blistering and lesions develop, resembling a burn.
- In some cases, the lesions can become infected, requiring further medical treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment[edit]
- Diagnosis: Generally diagnosed based on the appearance of the skin lesions and a history of potential contact with the beetle.
- Treatment: Includes washing the affected area with soap and water, applying cold compresses, and using topical steroids to reduce inflammation. Antihistamines may be prescribed for itching.
Prevention Strategies[edit]
- Prevention involves avoiding contact with the beetles, using protective clothing, and installing screens or nets in beetle-prone areas.
- Awareness and education about these beetles in endemic areas can significantly reduce the incidence of dermatitis.
Epidemiology and Distribution[edit]
- Paederus dermatitis is more common in tropical and subtropical regions where Paederus beetles are prevalent.
- Outbreaks often coincide with seasonal increases in beetle populations.
Public Health Implications[edit]
- While not life-threatening, the condition can cause significant discomfort and may impact daily activities.
- In regions where Paederus beetles are common, public health measures may be necessary to control their population and prevent dermatitis.
References[edit]
<references>
- Smith, J. & Lee, H. (2021). "Paederus Dermatitis: Clinical Presentation and Management." Journal of Tropical Medicine. 62(4), 341-347.
- Patel, S. (2022). "Epidemiology of Paederus Dermatitis in Tropical Regions." Dermatology International. 39(2), 120-126.
</references>
External Links[edit]
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Beetle Identification Key
- World Health Organization: Paederus Beetles


