Caterpillars, tiny animals whose existence is easy to find and are considered as pests that interfere with plants. Not only that, the fur is also known to cause itching and pain for some people. Actually, what causes caterpillars to itch?
According to Verywell Health, touching caterpillars can cause redness, swelling, itching, welts and tiny fluid-filled sacs called vesicles. In fact, the reaction to being exposed to caterpillars can cause a burning or stinging sensation. This is because exposure to caterpillars, called setae, triggers an overactive immune response in some people. The body will react to what it perceives as a threat. The immune system will be full of pro-inflammatory compounds called histamine. These hormones can trigger a series of allergy symptoms involving the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Symptoms from being exposed to caterpillars can appear within minutes and last for a day or more. If you touch your eyes or nose after handling caterpillars or putting them in your mouth, you may experience more serious reactions such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, shortness of breath, sore mouth, itching, and difficulty swallowing.
Meanwhile, according to Askentomologists, the silky hair of caterpillars contains chitin, a component of the insect's exoskeleton which is also found in many parasites. The human body is signaled to detect and respond to chitin and its degradation products. When the hair touches the skin, the fine hair automatically enters it and the poison immediately spreads to the body. This poison is what causes itching. This poison often makes it difficult for predators to prey on caterpillars.
Symptoms of itching affected by caterpillars
There are several characteristics of itching due to being exposed to caterpillars, including: itchy skin, feels hot, or hurts. Itches appear with small spots or spots filled with water. Hives-like bumps
Itching in the form of a scar-like rash. In addition to itching, other symptoms can appear when caterpillars touch the eyes and nose, such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red eyes, itchy and painful mouth, and shortness of breath.
Treat caterpillar allergies
Symptoms of stinging caterpillars are usually immediate pain, with a longer pain and swelling that usually subsides immediately. There are several ways to deal with allergy problems that arise from being touched by caterpillars. Treatment of the itchy caterpillar affected skin includes removing all affected clothing and washing any areas where itchy caterpillars have been observed or where irritation occurs. After that, apply an ice pack, use analgesics, creams, antihistamines, and lotions with steroids to help relieve the symptoms. If you have tried how to get rid of the itching due to caterpillars but the allergy symptoms do not go away, then immediately consult a doctor or expert, especially if the itching is very severe such as shortness of breath.
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