Doctors explain how to differentiate between dermatitis caused by blister beetles and shingles.

Summer is the peak season for rove beetles. Many people wonder why, even though they haven't been bitten, their skin still develops blisters and burning sensations typical of rove beetle-induced dermatitis.

According to Dr. Nguyen Huu Truong, Deputy Director of the Clinical Allergy and Immunology Center at Bach Mai Hospital, rove beetles do not actually bite or sting people. Skin lesions appear due to contact with the toxin-containing fluid in the insect's body.

The body of the rove beetle contains Pederin, a toxin capable of causing severe skin irritation. During harvest season or after storms, when their habitat is disturbed, rove beetles often fly into houses attracted to electric lights and cling to clothes, towels, or bedding.

On the other hand, many people's natural reflex is to swat or crush insects when they see them crawling on their skin. This action crushes the ant's body, releasing the toxin Pederin directly onto the skin. More dangerously, the toxin can stick to the hands and then spread to the face, neck, or eyes if the person accidentally touches them.

Summer is the peak season for blister beetles – understanding this insect and knowing how to deal with it promptly will help everyone proactively protect their skin health and that of their family. (Illustrative image)

According to the Clinical Allergy and Immunology Center, one of the most common mistakes is confusing dermatitis caused by blister beetles with shingles. Although both conditions present with blisters and burning pain on the skin, the two diseases are fundamentally different.

Specifically, dermatitis caused by blister beetles is an irritant contact dermatitis caused by the toxin Pederin. Lesions usually appear on exposed skin areas such as the face, neck, hands, or feet, with blisters often arranged in long streaks or small clusters (a cloudy white pus may be present in the center). The main sensations include burning, stinging, and intense itching.

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Shingles, on the other hand, is caused by the Herpes zoster virus, characterized by clusters of blisters that typically appear on only one side of the body. Patients often experience deep, stabbing or burning pain along the nerve pathway. They may also experience mild fever, body aches, and fatigue.

According to Dr. Nguyen Huu Truong, self-medicating with antiviral drugs to treat shingles will not be effective for dermatitis caused by blister beetles. Even more dangerously, many people apply leaves, betel leaves, black alum leaves, or other folk remedies to the affected skin area.

Once the skin's protective barrier is broken, these measures can allow bacteria to penetrate, leading to infection, necrosis, and long-lasting scarring. Therefore, proper treatment in the first few minutes after contact with blister beetles is crucial in limiting skin damage. Specifically:

Do not crush or rub the ants on your skin : If you find a blister beetle crawling on your body, gently blow on it or use a piece of paper to brush it off. Absolutely avoid crushing or rubbing it.

Cleanse the suspected contact area : Immediately after contact, thoroughly wash the affected skin area with clean water, mild soap, or saline solution to remove any toxins remaining on the skin's surface. The sooner the washing is done, the lower the risk of injury.

Proper skin soothing : When skin is newly red and irritated, mild antiseptic solutions or skin-healing products containing panthenol (vitamin B5) and zinc oxide can be used as directed by a healthcare professional.

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Please note that people should not self-medicate with strong corticosteroid creams or unproven folk remedies. If the lesions spread, pus appears, there is persistent pain and burning, fever, or the eye area is affected, patients should seek prompt examination and treatment at a specialized medical facility.

Doctors recommend that proper treatment from the outset not only helps control skin inflammation and prevent infection but also minimizes the risk of scarring and long-term cosmetic complications.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/bac-si-chi-cach-phan-biet-viem-da-do-kien-ba-khoang-va-zona-than-kinh-10420036.html