"Sign of the kiss" in dermatitis caused by vesicant beetles ("potós" or Paederus sp.)

Abstract

The cosmopolitan beetles of the Paederus genus (potós) cause a severe dermatitis when the insect is crushed against the skin of exposed areas (the cervical region is the most affected). Toxins (pederin and others) from the hemolymph of the insect cause plaques and/or bizarre, linear lesions with erythema, edema, blisters, pustules, crusts and exulcerations. There may be a burning sensation and severe conjunctivitis. Lesions disappear after 10 days and may leave hyperchromic macules. Treatment is made with topical corticosteroids and intensive washing.

Blistering Beetle Dermatitis Mimicking Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: a Case Report

“…While cantharidin is the vesicant present in Meloidae and Oedemereidae; pederin is the chemical responsible for vesiculation in the family Staphylinidae (Rove beetles) and the genus Paederus. Differences between experimentally induced skin lesions by cantharidin and pederin are mentioned in Table 1 (7). The beetles belonging to the genus Paederus have a slender body-about 7-10 millimeter long and 0.5 millimeter wide with small elytra under which lengthy folded membranous wings are attached (8).…”

Twostriped Walkingstick Targets Human Eye With Chemical Defense Spray

“…For example, beetles of the genera Lytta and Paederus are known to cause a painful, blistering contact dermatitis in addition to conjunctivitis. [10][11][12] Moreover, caterpillars of the order Lepidoptera and tarantulas both have urticating hairs that cause an inflammatory reaction of the eye called ophthalmia nodosa. 13,14 Patients should be advised to avoid crushing or touching unknown insects and to keep their eyes peeled but their faces distant.…”

Control of the rove beetle in rapidly deployed Ebola treatment units (ETUs) is necessary for worker safety

“…This trauma triggers the release of pederin, leading to development of vesicular inflammatory dermatitis in 12 to 36 hours. 2 , 5 The clinical presentation can be variable and include erythematous plaques that appear burnt, micropustules mixed with vesicular lesions, significant epidermal necrosis, diffuse desquamative reactions, systemic IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction, and juxtaposed skin lesions at flexural folds known as “kissing lesions.” 6 These lesions may heal in 10 to 12 days and often have residual postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. 4 …”