Creechie Bug Paederus Rove Beetle - What treatment worked for you ?

[BsBs]

Hello,

 

One hospital didn't really what to do it seems, I will look for more help, but maybe you have some experience ?

 

I had never heard about this insect before, but seems not so friendly :-)

 

http://www.lucianoschiazza.it/documenti/Dermatite_da_paederus_eng.html

 

http://www.whatsthatbug.com/2010/08/08/creechie-bug-paederus-rove-beetle-warning-for-bangkok-thailand/

 

Thank you if you have some information to share.

 

 

[Sheryl]

It would help to know what your symptoms are, for example do you just have a rash, or do you also have eye problems?

 

The rash caused by this insect is a contact dermatitis and treatment is no different from other contact dermatoses, any good dermatologist can manage it and it does not matter whether or not they have heard of the specific bug.

 

If you have eye problems (swelling, redness around the eye) due to contact with this bug then better to see a doctor with experience in it,. there are a few in Bangkok and in Khon Kaen.

 

If you have no problem at all and are just concerned by things you have read on the internet, no hospital or doctor is going to take an interest, and just avoid contact should you come across this bug.

[DavidVincent]

It seems there is a small outbreak of this insect.

2 people I work with has been "burnt" on many body parts in the last 2 weeks and I myself had one on my arm the last night.

[Sheryl]

This "burn" is a contact dermatitis and treatment is similar to other contact dermatoses: antihistamines, topical steroid cream, and if sever, short course of systemic steroid. the first 2 are available OTC, the last requires a doctor to prescribe.

 

See a dermatologist if severe. Otherwise, and provided you have no contarindications, an oral antihistamine like loratadine (clarityne) and a cream containing betamethasone  or hydrocortisone (many brands)  may bring relief.

[BsBs]

Only rash but sorry I trust what I have read on Internet and it does not seem to be just a standard bug...

 

 

[Sheryl]

Of course it is not a "standard" bug, contact with it produces a severe contact dermatitis, not the case with most bugs.

 

But the treatment is as I described. even with no treatment, the lesions usually resolve, but treatment can speed up the healing and reduce discomfort.

 

If you would like to read some actual medical literature, as opposed to internet scare stories, try these:

 

http://researchpcm.com/data/journal97/S96-S100_PMK5617.pdf

 

http://thailand.digitaljournals.org/index.php/PHJBU/article/view/22018

[DavidVincent]

The active product secreted by the beetle is called cantharidin, it is quite potent if ingested and the rash only appear after a couple of days. 

This insect is attracted by bright light at night. I think there was an outbreak a couple of years ago in an army camp.

[BsBs]

1 hour ago, DavidVincent said:

The active product secreted by the beetle is called cantharidin, it is quite potent if ingested and the rash only appear after a couple of days. 

This insect is attracted by bright light at night. I think there was an outbreak a couple of years ago in an army camp.

 

 

Do you know any insect not attracted by bright light at night ?

 

:-)

 

 

[DavidVincent]

26 minutes ago, BsBs said:

 

 

Do you know any insect not attracted by bright light at night ?

 

:-)

 

 

I would say all the lucifugous insect species like centipedes or cockroaches,.....