Caterpillar Dermatitis Caused by Euproctis similis / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

The yellow-tail moth Euproctis similis, belongs to the genus Euproctis (Lymantriidae) and has a wide distribution within Korea, Japan, China and Europe. Contact with the 'urticating hairs' of the Euproctis similis caterpillar induces dermatitis due to the combination of mechanical and chemical mechanisms. Clinically, patients with caterpillar dermatitis show wheals in the early stage and/or erythematous papules in the late stage after contact with the spicules. We report 5 young soldiers who developed pruritic wheals and erythematous papules on their upper back after contact with the hairs of the Euproctis similis caterpillar.