Contents:
- Medical Video: Why do we itch? - Emma Bryce
- First aid when hit by caterpillars
- Symptoms of caterpillar poisoning
- Overcoming itching and other symptoms of caterpillar poisoning
- When to see a doctor?
Medical Video: Why do we itch? - Emma Bryce
When outside the room, especially in a fairly lush place, no one knows if suddenly the caterpillar attack. When the skin gets caterpillar, you may panic immediately because you feel amused and afraid of poisoning. Yes, feathers or thorns in caterpillars do contain special poisons that are used to defend themselves from predators.
Then what should be done if you get a caterpillar? Are there ways to relieve symptoms? See the full information below, yes.
First aid when hit by caterpillars
If caterpillars suddenly stick to the skin, don't take it with your bare hands! You also should not hit it as long as it is still on the surface of the skin. Hitting the caterpillar will only spread the poison to other parts of your body. Remove or pry the caterpillar with paper, twigs or leaves.
After the caterpillar is released, don't touch the skin, let alone scratch it. Look for tape, duct tape, or clean tape. Attach to the skin that has been hit by caterpillars and pull out as much as possible. Repeat again several times with new tape. This function is to remove the remaining feathers or caterpillar spines that are still left on your skin.
So that the skin is completely clean from the poison of caterpillar, wash it with water and soap. No need to rub too wide because the poison can move to other parts of the body. Then dry it by gently tapping the poisoned area.
Symptoms of caterpillar poisoning
Shortly after you get a caterpillar, the body begins to show various symptoms of poisoning. The following are normal and normal signs that appear after being hit by a caterpillar attack.
- A rash or bump appears on poisoned skin
- Itchy, sore, reddish and swollen skin
- If the feathers enter the eyes, you may experience eye irritation
- If the fur enters the respiratory tract, you may find it difficult to breathe and cough
- If the caterpillar is swallowed (usually in toddlers), you may vomit, irritate the mouth and lips, or drool
Overcoming itching and other symptoms of caterpillar poisoning
Caterpillar poisoning can be cured. However, how fast the healing depends on the species of caterpillar, your current immune condition, how severe the contact between the skin and the caterpillar, and the handling given. Here is a guide to treating itching and other symptoms of caterpillar poisoning.
- Compress the itchy or sore skin with ice cubes wrapped in a soft cloth. Let stand for 15-20 minutes. Repeat every hour until you feel more comfortable.
- Apply calamine lotion or hypo-allergenic powder to the itchy area.
- Don't scratch the itchy skin. Scratching will only cause injury and infection because your skin tissue is currently in trouble.
- Take allergy medications such as cetirizine and diphenhydramine.
- Take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
When to see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if the skin that is affected by caterpillars starts to appear blister or festering. However, if you really feel very uncomfortable or the symptoms are severe enough, please go directly to the doctor. If your son and daughter are under the age of two who have caterpillars, do not give medicines before consulting a pediatrician.
