Excursions and work in the forest can have unpleasant consequences for humans and animals from late April to late June. In Central Europe, the caterpillars of the oak processionary moth develop precisely during this period. They possess special stinging hairs which contain a toxin used for defense that can cause both skin and systemic reactions in humans. In an article in the Österreichische Ärztezeitung, Dr. Tamara Kopp provides information about caterpillar dermatitis.

Contact with the toxic hairs of the oak processionary moth leads to skin irritation

Especially after warm, dry winters you will find caterpillars of the oak processionary moth on some oaks. These caterpillars possess special stinging or poisonous hairs that employ the protein toxin Thaumetopoein to defend against predators. On contact this leads in humans to a release of histamine and the formation of wheals. The clinical picture includes Urticaria, headaches, conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, fatigue, nausea, dizziness or fever, up to bronchospasm with corresponding dyspnea.

What is insidious is that the toxin remains active for up to 7 years and the hairs can also be spread through the air.

Precautions if contact with the toxic hairs of the oak processionary moth is suspected

If contact is suspected or has actually occurred with these caterpillars or their hairs, a careful change of clothes and a shower with hair washing should be carried out as soon as possible. Clothing should be washed immediately and the skin should not be rubbed or otherwise mechanically damaged. Initial swelling or beginning itching can be alleviated with a cold compress. Dr. Tamara Kopp recommends polidocanol-containing topical treatments and topical glucocorticoids as well as antihistamines.

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