The oak processionary moth is a butterfly species. His caterpillars are covered with fine poisons that cause severe skin irritation with burning, itching and wheals. Doctors also speak of a caterpillar dermatitis. Inhaled, the female fairies trigger respiratory problems. Some people are also allergic to the toxins. Read here how to prevent unpleasant consequences of an encounter with the caterpillars and what you can do if it hits you.
description
The heat-loving oak processionary spinner (Thaumetopoea processionea) has been on the rise in Europe for several years. Reason for it are rising temperatures, in particular missing Nachtfröste. In this country, the moths now occur in large numbers in the northeast and southwest and parts of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Problematic for humans are the fine stinging hairs of the caterpillars, which are filled with the nettle poison thaumetopein, which causes violent reactions, among other things, to the skin and respiratory tract. The stinging hairs break off easily and also hang in masses in the nests of the animals. Because they are also distributed by the wind, direct contact with the caterpillars or their nests is not necessary to get the fine hairs on their own skin or in the respiratory tract, where they attach themselves with their barbs.
risk groups
Particularly often, the female adults of the oak processionary caterpillars catch the following risk groups:
- playing children
- Walkers in the forest and at forest edges
- Users of recreational facilities in the countryside (campsites, swimming pools, etc.)
- Residents of affected forest areas or of estates with oak trees
- Forest workers, landscaping workers and road maintenance workers in infested areas
- Oven and fireplace owners when handling firewood
symptoms
In contact with the oak processionary moth, the skin symptoms occur wherever the body was not covered by clothing, such as the neck, face and unclothed extremities. Delicate areas of the skin on the face, neck and inside of the elbow are particularly affected.
Contact reactions
Contact with the poison of the burning hair causes violent symptoms, which if left untreated for several days, but can also last for weeks. It often includes skin reactions such as:
- severe itching (pruritus)
- Wheals (urticaria)
- insect-like nodule formation (papule formation)
Other possible symptoms include:
- Irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract with swelling and coughing to respiratory distress and asthma attacks
- Eye irritation, conjunctivitis, often with heavily swollen eyelids
- Irritation of mouth and throat
Rarely do you experience general symptoms of illness such as:
- dizziness
- fatigue
- fever
Allergic reaction
Some people also have allergic reactions to the poison of the oak processionary moth. The reactions can be very different and occur all over the body. Even cases of allergic asthma are possible. Each subsequent contact with the burning hairs of the oak processionary moths makes the reactions more intense. In severe cases, a life-threatening allergic shock (anaphylactic shock) is conceivable.
Risk period
The caterpillars of the oak processionary emerge in early May. They live in groups and gather in nests of loosely spun leaves and twigs. From there, as in a procession of 10 meters in length and more to go foraging in the treetops.
From the third instar the caterpillars grow poisonous stinging hairs. From then on until the pupation of the caterpillars at the end of June / beginning of July, the greatest danger to human health is to be found. However, the stinging hairs in the nests can cause irritation even after years. Therefore, corresponding symptoms can occur even outside the caterpillar season.
diagnosis
The diagnosis of caterpillar dermatitis or allergy by the oak processionary moth is not easy, because similar symptoms may have other causes. Are possible contact or allergic reactions to completely different substances or even Lichtdermatose (sun allergy).
Direct evidence of contact with the poison is not possible. It is therefore important to point out in conversation with the doctor on a possible contact with the oak processionary spinner or his webs.
Often, however, those affected are not even aware that they may have had contact with the poison of the caterpillars. Then the diagnosis is particularly difficult.
treatment
If you have had contact with caterpillars of oak processioners or their webs, the following will help first measuresto minimize possible consequences:
- Change your clothes as soon as possible, preferably outdoors.
- Clean your shoes moist.
- Shower thoroughly and wash your hair.
- Rinse your eyes with clear water.
- Clean contaminated objects (such as washing and vacuuming the car).
- For skin reactions, go to the doctor.
- Call in case of shortness of breath immediately the rescue service!
drugs
- Symptoms of skin and mucous membranes, the doctor can treat with cortisone preparations.
- Antihistamines help against severe itching.
- In respiratory problems, cortisone sprays and sprays with bronchodilator agents (beta-sympathomimetics).
- For more severe cases, cortisone therapy with oral tablets may be necessary.
Inpatient treatment following a response to the oak processionary moth is rarely necessary.
prevention
The following precautions should be taken when handling the Oak Processor:
- Do not touch! Do not touch any caterpillars or their webs.
- Stay away! Basically you should avoid areas that are affected by the oak processionary moth.
- After contact with caterpillar hair change clothes immediately and take a shower.
- Avoid wood chipping and tree care as long as the caterpillar nests are visible.
- Leave the fight against Oak processionaryCaterpillars and their nests professionals.