Title: Paederus Dermatitis: A Common but Misdiagnosed and Neglected Entity
Authors: Dr Sandhya Chauhan, Dr Ashok Garg, Dr Prem Lal, Dr Ajay Kumar Ahluwalia, Dr Kuldeep Thakur
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i7.155
Abstract
Background: Paederus dermatitis is a peculiar type of irritant dermatitis induced by vesicant released from rove beetles. The characteristic erythematobullous lesions are produced due to crushing of beetles, not by sting or bite. This disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
Methods: A total of 75 cases were enrolled for this study over a period of four months. All clinico-epidemiological parameters were recorded and photographs were taken. Our aim was to know the clinico-epidemilogical profile of the disease and to sensitize the general practitioners about this commonly misdiagnosed entity.
Results: A total of 75 cases including 32(42%) males and 43(57.3%) females were studied. Affected age ranged from 3 to 64 years. Almost all age groups were involved but 15-30 years age group was most commonly affected. All affected patients were inhabitants of localities lying nearby to Satluj River. All localities were surrounded by abundant vegetation. Majority of the patients presented in the month of September and August. Face, neck and forearms were most commonly affected sites. Most of the patients presented within 48-72 hours of lesion onset. Apart from sudden development of lesion, burning and mild itching were main chief complaints of the patients. Linear pattern was the most common morphology but kissing, bizarre, geographic and whiplash like patterns were also observed. Despite being a common problem 33.3% non-dermatologists were unaware about the disease. Most of the practitioners were misdiagnosing and treating this entity for herpes simplex, herpes zoster, burns and irritant dermatitis.
Conclusion: Paederus dermatitis is common but neglected and misdiagnosed entity. This study describes the clinicoepidemilogical profile along with simple preventive measures for paederus dermatitis. Clinical awareness is recommended for non-dermatologists to avoid misdiagnosis.
Keywords: Paederus dermatitis, Beetle, Paederin, Misdiagnosis.
