Irritant bullous contact dermatitis caused by a rove beetle: An illustrated clinical course. (20th February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McGrath, Lindsay; Piliouras, Peter; Robertson, Ivan
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal of dermatology. Volume 54:Number 2(2013:May)
• Page Start: 136
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 2012-02-20
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Australasia -- Periodicals; 616.5005
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2011.00866.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-8380

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p>A 26‐year‐old Australian female traveller in Sierra Leone presented with an irritant bullous contact dermatitis consistent with paederus dermatitis. The lesions were treated with a potent topical corticosteroid with good effect. The affected area resolved in 6 weeks and hyperpigmention persisted for months until complete resolution. This dermatitis occurs when beetles of the genus <italic>Paederus</italic> (rove beetles) are crushed on the skin, releasing pederin. The same dermatitis ensues with Australian <italic>Paederus</italic> species. Serial clinical photographs are presented which will aid Australian dermatologists in the diagnosis of this dermatitis, which presents in regional Australian patients and returned overseas travellers.</p> </abstract>