A study on Paederus dermatitis outbreak in a suburban teaching research hospital, Kanchipuram, India.

• DOI: 10.5455/medscience.2013.02.8076
• Publication Date: 2013-04-17T16:14:25Z
• Authors: Asgar Ali; Sujitha Kathirvel; Devika T; Sivasankaran P; Balan K; Praveen S; Saleem M; Joseph Innocent; Vijayalakshmi S
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; linear dermatitis; 0302 clinical medicine; retrospective study; Paederus dermatitis; R; Medicine; 3. Good health

Paederus dermatitis, a kind of irritant contact dermatitis by Staphylinid beetle, is more prevalent in Asia-Pacific countries with the attributes tropical climate. Brushing, pressing, or crushing beetle against skin releases pederin toxin (pederin) that can produce urticarial, vesicular, and bullous lesions. We conducted 1-year retrospective study 84 patients attending our hospital to clinical patterns epidemiological prevalence. It mostly affects hostel students residing within campus near paddy fields. Itching was most common symptom, involving mainly neck arms. Linear erythematous lesions were sign extremities (40.1%), (36.4%) trunk (32.1%). Vesicles pustule formation seen (51.19%) patients, respectively. The striking feature ˜Kissing (2.4%) patients. Periorbital involvement (17.4%) cases. beetles frequently attracted incandescent fluorescent lights. Simple preventive measures such as use insecticide like pyrethroid, clearing excess vegetation would check infection. Clinical education awareness regarding this condition will prevent misdiagnosis.