Human exposures to stinging caterpillar: Lophocampa caryae exposures

The purpose of this project was to characterize the presentation and treatment associated with Lophocampa caryae caterpillar exposures. Three hundred sixty-five exposures to Lophocampa caryae managed by a certified regional poison information center over a 2-year period were analyzed. Pediatric exposures were responsible for 80% of the reports and 92.1% were dermal exposures, 7.5% oral, and 0.4% ocular. Dermal exposures with minimal symptoms were treated at home with the supportive measures of hair and spine removal, irrigation, antihistamine, and/or topical steroid administration. Symptom resolution occurred within 24 hours. Symptomatic patients with oral exposures and positive visualization of hairs or spines, were referred to an emergency department for medical evaluation and removal of the caterpillar hairs. Adult exposure and treatment patterns were similar to the pediatric exposures. Removal of the defensive guard hairs or spines is the primary treatment. Supportive care with irrigation, antihistamines, and/or corticosteroids can decrease the intensity of symptoms.