The mystery thickens. This story of processionary caterpillars which would cause a generalized pruritus in Lorraine hardly convinces the head of the dermatology-allergology pole of the CHRU of Nancy. Pr Anne-Claire Bursztejn knows a little about her subject and her diagnosis is final. This unprecedented rash of pimples cannot be explained. At least, not by overwhelming the caterpillars, except considering that their stinging hairs can travel for miles around, are selective and manage to strike like lightning on a random individual while sparing his neighbor. Kind of like a ballistic missile. This ability of the caterpillars has not been demonstrated scientifically and militarily, it is therefore necessary to look elsewhere for the culprit.
For Professor Anne-Claire Bursztejn, herself irritated by this itching, it could be an insect, like chiggers. But, there again, without conviction since only the larva of this microscopic mite stings and only at the end of the summer. “I don’t believe in processionary caterpillars at all,” she says. To put it very clearly, I’m not quite sure what’s going on and I’m not sure anyone can actually answer this question. What I find is that most of these lesions are not hives. They cannot be caused by caterpillars. When there is a problem with caterpillars, we see hives lesions which mainly sit on the exposed areas of the body. “
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The robot portrait of the suspect
However, there are frequently lesions of very small size which itch a lot and are located on covered and uncovered areas. “I also have the impression that it does not happen specifically at night, but rather during the day,” continues the dermatologist. Chipping could be a plausible hypothesis because we have bites in areas where it is quite hot, in the folds, on the belt area. I think it could be biting insects that showed up when it was very hot and humid. I have the impression that it is settling a little bit. “
Another remark, the lesions are “very purpuric on the lower limbs”. “We see them more when we have blackfly attacks. They are gnats that bite in stormy weather, “resumes Anne-Claire Bursztejn who thinks she is holding the robot portrait of the suspect, but has not yet identified him:” I clearly believe that they are insects biting in view of the very remote nature of certain lesions. It must be an insect that injects an anticoagulant when I see the evolution of certain lesions which take on a very purpuric character. However, at this time, I am not sure. “
Also exclude allergies and heat rash: “We would not have lesions that are repeated over time. Anyway, the remedies are not legion. “The first solution is to use class 3 topical corticosteroids to relieve the stinging sensation. In children, class 2 is sufficient. Antihistamines are of little use in these situations. As for the solutions to protect oneself, they simply do not exist. Mosquito nets and repellents seem totally ineffective against the invisible enemy. Investigations are continuing. Entomologists are also on the spot.
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