English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Paederus dermatitis (blister beetle dermatitis (BBD) is a geographic seasonal vesiculobullous disorder caused when beetles of the genus Paederus are crushed on the skin, releasing the vesicant pederin. Though blister beetle dermatitis is a clinical diagnosis, at times it becomes difficult to identify it. AIM: To study the clinical profile and factors associated with Paederus Dermatitis/ blister beetle dermatitis (BBD) in patients attending the out-patient department of dermatology of SGT Hospital, Budhera, Gurgaon. METHODS: 100 clinically diagnosed cases of beetle dermatitis were included in the study. The patients were evaluated by means of a standard pro forma which included detailed history and thorough clinical examination. RESULTS: A total of 100 cases were examined of which 67% were males and 33% females. Maximum cases reported in the month of April (25%). 32% patients had more than one lesion with involvement of multiple sites. Face (34.5%) was found to be most commonly involved site. Most of the patients presented with vesicles and bullae on erythematous background arranged in linear fashion. Constitutional symptoms were rarely seen in only 7% of the patients. No mucosal or systemic involvement was found. CONCLUSION: Despite its frequency, the disease is rarely described in medical literature, probably because the correct diagnosis is not made. It is important for the rural population in particular to be aware of this condition and to take adequate measures for its prevention especially during harvesting and rainy