But caterpillars can cause a red, itchy, swollen, and even painful rash.
Treatment for caterpillar rash may include ice packs, antihistamines, steroid cream, and more.
Caterpillar Rash Causes and Symptoms
The fuzzy tufts on caterpillars are what can cause a rash.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
These tiny hairs are calledsetae.
In some people, these hairs cause an allergic reaction when they touch the skin.
This immune response comes up whenever the body sees a substance as a threat even if it’s not.
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The immune system will flood the body with a chemical called histamine.
Sometimes you might get a rash without actually putting your fingers on a caterpillar.
The little tufts can become airborne and land on bare skin.
Caterpillars can also leave setae behind on items like trees or playground equipment.
This is more likely when there are a lot of caterpillars in one area.
Rashes from caterpillars can easily be mistaken for something else, and therefore not taken care of properly.
These included chickenpox,molluscum contagiosum, and even potentially life-threateningMRSA infections.
To do this, place a strip of tape on the area of the skin with the hairs.
The hairs will stick to the tape when you pull it off.
Repeat with fresh pieces of tape until you’ve removed most or all of the caterpillar hairs.
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Allergy and Asthma online grid.What is anaphylaxis?
