What is a brown tail moth rash?
It is an allergic reaction that occurs after coming into contact with a poisonous hair shed by browntail moth caterpillars.It is a microscopic hair common in browntail infested areas such as gardens, trees, lawns, and picnic areas.
Brown Tail Moth Rash Pictures
picture 1: A mild form of rashes caused by brown tail moth.
image source: forestpests.org
picture 2: Itchy rashes caused by exposure to brown tail moth.
image source: forestry.gov.uk
picture 3: Red and itchy rashes in a patient exposed to brown tail moth.
image source:staticflickr.com
picture 4: Severe brown tail moth rashes in the patient's nape area.
image source:forestry.gov.uk
picture 5: The skin is full of red and itchy rashes.
image source:forestry.gov.uk
picture 6: Exposure to brown tail moth can lead to rashes and itching.
image source:4.bp.blogspot.com
It is a seasonal rash typically occurs from May to July. However, it is still possible to have brown tail moth rash for the hair can remain toxic for up to three years. (1, 2, and 3)
What is a brown tail moth rash?
It is an allergic reaction that occurs after coming into contact with a poisonous hair shed by browntail moth caterpillars. It is a microscopic hair common in browntail infested areas such as gardens, trees, lawns, and picnic areas.It is a seasonal rash typically occurs from May to July. However, it is still possible to have brown tail moth rash for the hair can remain toxic for up to three years. (1, 2, and 3)
Characteristics of browntail moth rash
- red
- bumpy
- itchy
Aside from rashes, the patient can also exhibit other symptoms such as respiratory problems, especially if the poisonous hair is inhaled. The symptoms can occur abruptly or a few hours after exposure. (3, 4)
Browntail moth rash treatment
What should you do if you have a brown tail moth rash? Frankly speaking, there is nothing you can do to make the rash go away. Even so, do not panic. The good news is there are a lot of things you can do to relieve the symptoms and eliminate the exposure to a brown tail moth. There are over the counter products in the forms of browntail moth cream and brown tail moth spray.
Severe reactions require prescription medications, especially if you have trouble breathing. Prescription medications are more effective than over the counter medications. The medications aim to reduce the patient's discomfort from the rash. If the rashes are painful to touch, the drug of choice is brown tail moth spray.
An oral corticosteroid is prescribed in patients with an acute case. Soaking the rash in a warm bath and applying calamine lotion are some of the browntail moth rash home remedies. (4, 5, and 6)
Severe reactions require prescription medications, especially if you have trouble breathing. Prescription medications are more effective than over the counter medications. The medications aim to reduce the patient's discomfort from the rash. If the rashes are painful to touch, the drug of choice is brown tail moth spray.
An oral corticosteroid is prescribed in patients with an acute case. Soaking the rash in a warm bath and applying calamine lotion are some of the browntail moth rash home remedies. (4, 5, and 6)
If you are suspecting that your child has a brown tail moth rash, the first thing you should do is to make the child comfortable by giving him a cool bath with baking soda. Be very careful in using over the counter creams, especially if the child is very young. Keep the child's fingernails clean and short. If you have not seen improvement in symptoms, the best thing to do is to consult a healthcare professional. (5, 6)
How to prevent brown tail moth rash?
There are things you can do to reduce your risk for brown tail moth rash. These are the following:
- Stay away from Browntail moth infested places such as vacated trees, shrubs, and nest.
- Wear protective clothing such as eyewear and respirator. cover the exposed areas of hte skin, especially during windy days.
- Perform yardwork on damp days as moisture can help keep the hair from being airborne.
- Avoid drying the laundry outside. There is a tendency that the hair will embed in the clothes causing an allergic reaction when you wear your clothes.
- If you spend time in the infected area, make sure you take a cool shower and wash your clothes thoroughly.
- If the hair embeds while you are outside, do not remove the hair using your hand. You should use duct tape. (6, 7, and 8)
References
- http://www.midcoastpediatricspa.com/browntail-moth-rash/
- https://kennebecpharmacy.com/Browntail-Moth-Itch
- http://www.pressherald.com/2015/07/23/maine-officials-warn-of-infestations-of-noxious-browntail-moth/
- http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/vector-borne/browntail-moth/index.shtml
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown-tail
- http://plusside.bangordailynews.com/2016/06/20/home/brown-tail-moths-are-no-joke/
- http://www.wealden.gov.uk/Wealden/Residents/Housing_Health_and_Advice/Housing/Pest_Control/PHCS_Brown_Tail_Moths.aspx
- http://facultyweb.cortland.edu/fitzgerald/Browntail.html
