Doctors warn about dangerous caterpillar

Doctors warn about dangerous caterpillar.

The White Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar originally hails from Canada. The caterpillar has black spines that are packed with venom.

“There have been many reported cases. None of them fatal, but all strange, new and concerning,” Dr. Joseph Betz with MedExpress told WJAC.

His unsuspecting young son touched one, and minutes later the boy broke out in a rash.

“They don’t mean to do it, but it is part of their defense mechanism against large predators and toddlers,” Betz told WJAC.

The good news is the rash is temporary and can be treated at home with lotion and ice.

The caterpillars should be disappearing soon, as they hibernate in their cocoons for winter.

Treatment after exposure to a Hickory Tussock Caterpillar

The recommended treatment is antihistamine, topical steroids and topical calamine lotion. If medical attention is sought, medical personnel may remove hairs using adhesive tape or wax. The rash usually subsides within 24-48 hours. In the case of our daughter, we did not see any bristles. We did not check her hands immediately after she played with the caterpillar since we were not aware of the Hickory Tussock Caterpillar's urticating bristles until after she had the reaction. She recovered after a few days. My daughter found the calamine lotion to be effective at relieving the discomfort. She also liked the fact that she could put it on herself and it is her favourite colour - pink! In case you were wondering, the Hickory Tussock Caterpillar becomes the Hickory Tussock Moth shown below, which has urticating hairs as well.