A Little about Caterpillars
The majority of caterpillars, moths, and butterflies are not irritative;
however all caterpillars are equipped with various protective devices.
The species that do irritate represent about 0.1% of known species. Since
it is difficult for most people to identify these species of caterpillars
it is advisable not to pick up these creatures with bare hands.
What happens if I get stung?
Caterpillar exposures usually occur on the hands and limbs. The most common effects are pain, redness, and swelling of the area of the sting. The extent of the symptoms will depend on the individual's sensitivity, the type of caterpillar, the types of hairs, and the conditions of exposure. Exposure may be from the caterpillar, airborne hairs, silken threads, or shed skins. Whatever the reaction, these initial penetration symptoms generally result in the formation of reddish or whitish papules surrounded by redness. They may be isolated or grouped. These lesions last anywhere from 14 hours to several days.
What can I do if I get stung?
The first treatment should be washing the area with running water to remove the spicules. Do not scratch or rub the area, you could cause the hairs to penetrate deeper into the skin. Sometimes the spines are large enough to be seen with a magnifying glass and can be removed with forceps. Occasionally the use of adhesive tape may aid in removal of the spines. Antihistamines can be used to relieve some of the dermal symptoms. For more information call the West Virginia Poison Center.