Some people may not know how to properly handle caterpillars. In fact, the wrong handling can cause irritation and infection. nowSo that the symptoms that arise due to being exposed to caterpillars can be resolved immediately, see how to handle them in the following article.
Caterpillars are a type of insect that has fine hair all over its body. These fine hairs contain toxic chemicals and when in contact with parts of the human body, such as the skin or eyes, can cause irritation and allergic reactions.
Symptoms that arise from being exposed to caterpillars can vary, such as rashes, bumps, or reddish patches on the skin, and the skin feels itchy, sore, and swollen. In order to relieve these symptoms, you can take several handling steps when exposed to caterpillars.
Several Ways to Handling Caterpillars
The following are some ways you can do to relieve the symptoms of irritation or allergies due to caterpillars:
1. Removing the attached caterpillar
When you find a caterpillar attached to the body, immediately remove the caterpillar first. However, it is not recommended that you remove the caterpillars using your hands or other body parts.
To be on the safe side, lift and remove the caterpillars using another object, such as a tissue, handkerchief, twig, or tongs.
2. Removes fine hair
The fine hairs of caterpillars that stick to the skin can cause itching and skin rashes due to irritation and allergies. Therefore, you need to remove the fine hair using tongs or insulating glue (ducttape). As much as possible, remove all the caterpillar hair until there is nothing left on the skin.
3. Clean the body parts exposed to caterpillars
After removing the caterpillars and the remaining fine hair, immediately clean the body part affected by the caterpillar using running water and soap, then dry it. When cleaning the body, choose a soap made of mild chemicals so as not to cause skin irritation.
4. Using a cold compress
You can give a cold compress to deal with complaints of itchy or sore skin, swelling, and redness due to being exposed to caterpillars. The recommended time for giving cold compresses is about 10-15 minutes.
5. Using allergy medications
If the itching due to being exposed to caterpillars causes you to experience an allergic reaction, immediately consult a doctor so that proper treatment can be done. Doctors will generally prescribe antihistamines for allergy symptoms.
If the allergic reaction experienced is severe enough, the doctor will also prescribe corticosteroid drugs to overcome it.
The thing you also need to remember is to avoid scratching the itchy body parts when exposed to caterpillars. This action can actually cause skin irritation or even skin infections.
Preventing Anaphylaxis When Affected by Caterpillars
Although rare, being exposed to caterpillars can cause a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. This allergic reaction is dangerous and can even be life-threatening.
Anaphylaxis can cause blood pressure in the sufferer's body to drop dramatically. In addition, this allergic reaction can also cause several symptoms, such as:
- Rashes, itching, and swelling of the skin occur
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Headache
- Swollen lips and tongue
- Hard to breathe
- Breath sounds
Allergic reactions or irritation, such as itching and hives due to caterpillars, usually get better in about 1-2 days. However, if the condition does not improve or symptoms of anaphylaxis appear, seek medical attention immediately.
It is normal for you to feel scared and panic when you are hit by a caterpillar. However, try to stay calm and do the tips above to relieve the symptoms of irritation or allergies due to being exposed to caterpillars.
To avoid being hit by caterpillars, you can use long sleeves and long pants when moving around the trees.