The larvae of the butterfly or light butterflies are known as caterpillars , whose appearance is very similar to that of a worm, but they have small hairs on their surface. There are many types of caterpillars and, although most are harmless, some can cause bites that trigger an allergic reaction, especially if the skin, eyes or lungs have been in direct contact with the animal’s hair.
The caterpillar bite can be very painful, as the hairs of these animals can cause a stinging pain and, in addition, some types of caterpillars contain toxins that are released when they enter the skin, which can cause dermatitis or itching. Fortunately this is a harmless injury from which anyone can easily and quickly recover. If you want to know which ones with home remedies for caterpillar bites , continue reading this article from FastlyHeal .
Table of Contents
Symptoms of a caterpillar bite
The symptoms of a caterpillar bite can vary depending on the species and are classified according to the area of the body that has been in contact with the animal’s hairs:
In the eyes
- Pain.
- Redness
- Tears.
Stomach
- Irritation in the mouth and throat.
- Vomiting if the caterpillar has been ingested.
Respiratory apparatus
- Tos.
- Difficulty breathing.
- inflammation of the inside of the nose.
On the skin (the most common contact)
- Eruption.
- Blisters
- Hives
- Itch.
- Burning and pain.
- Redness
All over the body
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Allergic complication.
How to cure a caterpillar bite
The first thing to do when being bitten by a caterpillar or having been in contact with the hairs of this animal, is to treat the affected area as follows :
- It is important to remove any hairs that may have remained on the skin after a caterpillar bite. To do this, use adhesive tape, stick a piece of it on your skin in the area that was in contact with the caterpillar, and remove with precision and force so that the hairs remain adhered to the adhesive tape. If there are still hairs in the lesion, repeat the procedure until they are completely removed.
- After removing the hairs of the caterpillar from the skin, it is necessary to apply a lotion to the caterpillar bite, it can be aloe vera gel that will help relieve pain.
- Then apply ice to the caterpillar bite for 10 minutes, remove and rest the lesion for 10 minutes, and apply ice again for 10 minutes. Repeat the process until you get relief.
- If you have an allergic reaction, take an allergy medicine immediately. The allergy presents with inflammation of the skin, redness and hives.
Home remedies for caterpillar bite: baking soda
Baking soda is an excellent home remedy for caterpillar bites as it has the property of relieving dermatitis on the skin and soothing the itchiness caused by insect bites. To take advantage of the benefits of baking soda, mix a tablespoon with water until a paste forms. Then apply the mixture to the caterpillar bite and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Ice to reduce inflammation
The caterpillar bite may be a harmless lesion, but it can burn or sting for a couple of days. To calm the burning, you can use ice wrapped in a towel, or apply a bag of frozen vegetables. Put the cold in for 10 minutes, then let it sit for 10 more minutes and reapply the ice for another 10 minutes. This alternative will also help the area to deflate.
Aloe vera to soothe the skin
Aloe vera is a plant whose pulp helps soothe pain and itching of the dermis in case of insect bites. To use this home remedy for caterpillar bites, extract some aloe vera crystal and apply directly to the lesion, letting it rest for at least an hour. Repeat the procedure if you think it is necessary or if you want to improve the appearance of any marks that the caterpillar bite may have left on your skin.
Tomato to calm inflammation
Tomato is a very useful home remedy, as it helps reduce inflammation of insect bite injuries and soothe the pain that they produce. To use the tomato, the lesion must be properly washed and then chopped one or two slices of tomato and let it rest on the skin for 15 minutes. The effect is very powerful so the person will feel relief quickly.
Aspirin to calm the effect of toxins
Aspirin helps neutralize the effect of toxins that enter the skin from insect bites. To use this home remedy for caterpillar bites, you must dissolve an aspirin with water to form a paste. Then you have to apply the mixture on the lesion and let it rest for 15 minutes. This solution will also help to reduce inflammation of the skin and soothe itching.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.