Table of contents:
- First aid when hit by caterpillars
- Symptoms of caterpillar poisoning
- Overcoming itching and other symptoms of caterpillar poisoning
- When to see a doctor
When outdoors, especially in a fairly dense place, no one knows if a caterpillar suddenly attacks. When you get a caterpillar on your skin, you may immediately panic because you feel tingling and fear of poisoning. Yes, the hairs or spines on caterpillars do contain a special poison which is used to defend themselves from predators.
Then what to do if you get a caterpillar? Is there a way to relieve the symptoms? Check out the complete information below.
First aid when hit by caterpillars
If a caterpillar suddenly sticks to the skin, do not pick it up with bare hands! You also shouldn't hit it as long as it's still on the surface of the skin. Hitting a caterpillar will only spread its venom to other parts of your body. Remove or pry caterpillars with paper, twigs, or leaves.
After the caterpillar is released, do not touch the skin, let alone scratch it. Look for clean tape, duct tape, or tape. Stick it on the part of the skin that is hit by the caterpillar and pull it out as hard as possible. Repeat a few more times with new tape. This serves to remove any remaining hair or caterpillar quills that are still left on your skin.
In order for the skin to be completely clean from caterpillar toxins, wash it with soap and water. No need to rub too wide because the poison can move to other parts of the body. Then dry it by lightly patting the poisoned area.
Symptoms of caterpillar poisoning
Shortly after you get a caterpillar, your body begins to show various symptoms of poisoning. These are normal and common signs that appear after a caterpillar attack.
- Rashes or bumps appear on the skin that is poisoned
- Itchy, sore, red, and swollen skin
- If the fur gets into your eyes, you may experience eye irritation
- If the hair gets into the respiratory tract, you may have difficulty breathing and coughing
- If a caterpillar is swallowed (usually in toddlers), you may vomit, irritate your mouth and lips, or drool
Overcoming itching and other symptoms of caterpillar poisoning
Caterpillar poisoning can be cured. However, how fast it heals depends on the caterpillar species, your current immune condition, how severe the contact between the skin and the caterpillar is, and the treatment it is being given. Here is a guide to treating itching and other symptoms of caterpillar poisoning.
- Compress the itchy or sore skin with an ice cube wrapped in a soft cloth. Let stand for 15-20 minutes. Repeat every hour until you feel more comfortable.
- Apply calamine lotion or allergy powder to the itchy area.
- Don't scratch itchy skin. Scratching will only cause injury and infection because your skin tissue is in trouble at the moment.
- Take allergy medications such as cetirizine and diphenhydramine.
- Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
When to see a doctor
You should see a doctor if the skin that is affected by the caterpillar starts to appear blistered or pus. However, if you really feel very uncomfortable or the symptoms are severe, please see a doctor immediately. If your son and daughter under the age of two are infected with caterpillars, do not give medicines before consulting a pediatrician.
