Beetle Dermatitis in Punjab (a Study of 77 Cases)

A peculiar erythemato-vesicular dermatitis caused by a beetle, seen in 77 cases is analysed. The age range was 2.5 years to 57 years. Urban to rural ratio was 3.52:1. The common sites of involvement were the exposed sites, mainly the face. Burning sensation was the commonest symptom. Lesions were tender and mainly linear. The presence of kissing lesions was suggestive of the genus Paederus as the cause. A typical seasonal variation with maximum numbers in July was noted. The causative beetle could not be found out because none of the patients saw it. All cases responded well to antihistamine corticosteroid combination systemically and antibiotic-corticosteroid combination locally.