PSA if you encounter an asp - Gulf Coast has huge population this year
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2016 1:33 pm
The sting is EXTREMELY painful. from those fuzzy caterpillars.
Suggested Treatment Steps:
1. Apply adhesive tape (scotch, duct, etc.) to the affected area.
2. Rip the tape off quickly to remove the venomous spines from the wound.
3. Wash are with soap and warm water thoroughly
4. Apply ice pack
5. Apply a baking soda poultice (baking soda with enough liquid to make a firm paste – liquid can be water or apple cider vinegar)
Over the counter analgesics appear to be ineffective for reducing pain.
Oral administration of antihistamines may help relieve itching and burning following up with topical corticosteroids to reduce intensity of inflammation.
Megalopyge opercularis, commonly known in Texas as an "asp" is one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America. Also known as puss moth caterpillars, the larva are teardrop shaped from 1 to 1.5 inches long. Although called a stinging caterpillar, the venom is actually in spines connected to a poison sac and concealed by the outer hairy surface. When touched they break off and remain in the skin releasing the venom. Intense throbbing pain develops within five minutes of contact with pain extending up the affected area. If the sting area is touched there is the possibility that venomous spines can be transferred to other areas of the skin or eyes.
--If you have never seen one, there are photos
[url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megalopyge_opercularis[url]
Suggested Treatment Steps:
1. Apply adhesive tape (scotch, duct, etc.) to the affected area.
2. Rip the tape off quickly to remove the venomous spines from the wound.
3. Wash are with soap and warm water thoroughly
4. Apply ice pack
5. Apply a baking soda poultice (baking soda with enough liquid to make a firm paste – liquid can be water or apple cider vinegar)
Over the counter analgesics appear to be ineffective for reducing pain.
Oral administration of antihistamines may help relieve itching and burning following up with topical corticosteroids to reduce intensity of inflammation.
Megalopyge opercularis, commonly known in Texas as an "asp" is one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America. Also known as puss moth caterpillars, the larva are teardrop shaped from 1 to 1.5 inches long. Although called a stinging caterpillar, the venom is actually in spines connected to a poison sac and concealed by the outer hairy surface. When touched they break off and remain in the skin releasing the venom. Intense throbbing pain develops within five minutes of contact with pain extending up the affected area. If the sting area is touched there is the possibility that venomous spines can be transferred to other areas of the skin or eyes.
--If you have never seen one, there are photos
[url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megalopyge_opercularis[url]