An outbreak of Rove Beetle dermatitis in Penang Hospital: A report of 37 cases

ABSTRACT

Background Rove beetle dermatitis is a peculiar form of acute irritant dermatitis following the contact with body fluid of an insect which is belonging to genus Paederus. This retrospective study is to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of rove beetle dermatitis during the outbreak of rove beetle dermatitis in Penang (March 2009 - April 2009). Methods We describe 37 patients with clinical diagnosis of rove beetle dermatitis presented to our department. Only those patients with a definite history of contact with the insect were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, reason for referral and details of skin lesions were documented and analysed. Results Male patients outnumbered female patients - 21 males (56.8%); 16 females (43.2%). The mean age of patients was 28.3 years. Of the 37 patients, 18 patients (48.6%) were Malay, 14 Chinese (37.8%), 4 Indians (10.8%) and 1 foreigner (2.8%). The mean duration of lesions before presentation to our clinic was 3.4 days. The mean duration of lesions before presented to our clinic was 3.4 days. Symptom of burning sensation (25, 67.7%) was more pronounced than itching (6, 16.2%). Fourteen of our patients (37.8%) reported a positive family history. Clinically, the most common presentation consisted of linear, geographic, erythematous plaques with a ‘‘burnt’’ appearance. In 59.5% of patients, more than one lesion was present. Pustules and vesicles were seen in 12 (32.4%) and in 10 (27.1%) of the patients respectively. ‘‘Kissing lesions’’were seen in 5 (13.5%) patients. The neck and arms were the most common sites of involvement. Periorbital involvement occurred in 16.2% of patients. Only 8 patients (21.6%) were diagnosed to have “insect related dermatitis” at initial presentation. No one was referred as “rove beetle dermatitis”. Conclusion Rove beetle dermatitis is a common condition. Awareness of these condition and its clinical features will prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary worry.