ABSTRACT
Background The objective of the present study was to describe the morphological and clinical patterns of paederus dermatitis (PD). Methodology This retrospective case series was conducted in the outpatient department of the Department of Dermatology, Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, between June 2023 and August 2023 among patients with a clinical diagnosis of PD. Results This study included a total of 10 patients. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 19.4 (1.9) years. More than half of the patients (60.0%) were males. Of the 10 patients included, four (40.0%) were from rural areas, three (30.0%) were from urban areas, and three (30.0%) were from semi-urban areas. The maximum number of cases was reported between June and September. The most common presenting complaint was a burning sensation in 80.0% of the patients, followed by pain in 80.0% and blisters in 20.0% of the patients. The mean (SD) duration of the lesion was 4.2 (1.3) days. Regarding the clinical pattern of lesions, linear lesions were the most common (40.0%), followed by erythematous lesions with central gray area in 30.0%, kissing lesions in 20.0%, and burnt appearance in 10.0% of the lesions. Nearly half of the patients presented with lesions in the face (40.0%), the most common site in the present study, followed by lesions in the leg (20.0%), and lesions in the axilla, chest, arm, and back (10.0% each). Conclusions Understanding the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of this condition is crucial for accurate diagnosis, timely management, and public health interventions aimed at preventing Paederus beetle-related dermatitis.
ABSTRACT
Background: Paederus dermatitis (PD) is common skin condition occurring in South India caused due to contact with Rove beetle. It is often misdiagnosed due to wide difference in its presentation. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, sociodemographic, and environmental condition of patient's presenting with PD. Methodology: A descriptive study was done among all patients diagnosed of PD at the Dermatology department of a teaching hospital in Trichy, South India, between January and December 2020. A detailed clinical history, examination of the lesion, and systemic examination was done. Patients were followed-up after 1 week to re-assess the lesion. A total of 117 cases were included in the final analysis. Results: The mean age of patients was 24.54 ± 11.8 years. Female were 51% with 84.6% residing in rural area. Majority of the cases presented between January and May. Presence of thick vegetation (85.5%) and sleeping with windows open (60.7%) were found to be the common risk factors. Most patients reported noticing the lesion in the morning with sudden onset associated with redness and tenderness with a bizarre pattern of lesion. Face, neck, and upper extremity were the most affected sites with burning sensation and itching, experienced by 82.1% and 76.1%, respectively. Ocular involvement with peri-orbital odema was seen among 17% of cases. Post-inflammatory pigmentation was present in 92.1% patients. Conclusion: PD present has a varying degree of skin lesions with absence of the typical linear pattern. Knowledge of its presentation is important to avoid misdiagnosis.
