Irritant bullous contact dermatitis caused by a rove beetle: an illustrated clinical course.

Abstract

A 26-year-old Australian female traveller in Sierra Leone presented with an irritant bullous contact dermatitis consistent with paederus dermatitis. The lesions were treated with a potent topical corticosteroid with good effect. The affected area resolved in 6 weeks and hyperpigmention persisted for months until complete resolution. This dermatitis occurs when beetles of the genus Paederus (rove beetles) are crushed on the skin, releasing pederin. The same dermatitis ensues with Australian Paederus species. Serial clinical photographs are presented which will aid Australian dermatologists in the diagnosis of this dermatitis, which presents in regional Australian patients and returned overseas travellers.

• Authors: Lindsay McGrath, Peter Piliouras, Ivan Robertson
• Journal: The Australasian journal of dermatology (Australas J Dermatol) Vol. 54 Issue 2 Pg. 136-8 (May 2013) ISSN: 1440-0960 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 23581998 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2012 The Authors. Australasian Journal of Dermatology © 2012 The Australasian College of Dermatologists.

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Betamethasone Valerate

Topics

• Adult
• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Betamethasone Valerate (therapeutic use)
• Coleoptera
• Dermatitis, Irritant (drug therapy, etiology, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Travel