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Giant millipede 'burns' and the eye
1Madang General Hospital, Papua New Guinea.
Abstract:
A retrospective review of 8 cases of millipede 'burns' (caused by Polyconoceras sp. [= Salpidobolus sp.]) of the eye and periorbital tissues seen in a specialist ophthalmology unit over 6 years at Madang General Hospital, Papua New Guinea, was conducted. Such cases comprised 0.06% of the 14,000 patients seen in the same period. All cases were seen in the rainy season. Apart from one adult, all cases were children (age range 9 months-7 years). Clinical manifestations included a 'burn' of periorbital skin (all 8 cases), marked periorbital oedema (3 cases), conjunctivitis (2 cases), and keratitis (one case). All patients recovered fully with standard topical ophthalmic therapy. Despite anecdotal reports that blindness is a likely sequela of millipede 'burns' of the eye, it did not occur in this, the only published series of the condition.
Insights
Millipede eye injuries, often affecting children, can cause skin burns and swelling. Prompt ophthalmic treatment led to full recovery in all reviewed cases, refuting blindness concerns.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Millipede secretions can cause ocular and periorbital tissue damage.
- Such injuries are rare, accounting for a small fraction of ophthalmology unit attendances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cases of millipede-induced ocular and periorbital injuries.
- To describe clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes.
- To assess the risk of blindness associated with these injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 8 cases of millipede 'burns' treated over 6 years.
- Data collected from Madang General Hospital, Papua New Guinea.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical signs, and treatment responses.
Main Results:
- All 8 cases involved children and occurred during the rainy season.
- Common symptoms included periorbital skin burns and edema; conjunctivitis and keratitis were less frequent.
- All patients achieved full recovery with standard topical ophthalmic therapy.
Conclusions:
- Millipede 'burns' of the eye are treatable with standard ophthalmic care.
- Blindness was not observed in this series, contrary to anecdotal reports.
- Further research into millipede envenomation mechanisms is warranted.