Hello doctor, I was itching all of a sudden today while eating dinner. I thought it would be a normal itch, so resisted itching. After around 70 minutes, when I itched on my groin and thigh area, it started itching too much and when I saw under my shorts, it was full of mosquito bite like appearance. Then, I saw one small hairy caterpillar on the outer edge of my trouser. So, this itching was because of that. I have included the picture of that insect. It is not the exact picture, but it is for your reference. I applied some salt and turmeric and washed with facewash since it was neem and soap two to three times and took a full bath. I consumed one allergy tablet as well. Now itching is under control. I want to know what should I do now and is there anything that I did wrong or should have done which I did not? No injections, as the hospital is very far. Also, I do not know if it crawled in my bedsheet as well. I will sleep on it. Should I change my bedsheet? Actually, due to some problem I cannot change it, so is there any way to wipe if it is absolutely required. I have one additional query. Should I always use an antibacterial soap if I have recurrent boils or folliculitis on my body? Can I use normal soap and shampoo? Can you recommend any antibacterial hair shampoo which can be applied to hair and one antibacterial body wash if there is any?
Hello. I have seen the photograph (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The insect could possibly be a kind of caterpillar commonly called as blanket worms. One may get reactions to its sting with rashes and urticaria. Apply Calosoft AF (Calamine, Aloe vera, and liquid paraffin) and could take a Levocetirizine 5 mg tablet to control itching. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and with their consent take the medicine. You may require injections and antibiotics if there are sores due to its sting and if the rash is bad, you may need medications for a couple of weeks. Definitely, the blanket sheets and clothes need to be checked and changed. Please see a doctor to confirm the insect bite. For more information consult a dermatologist online -->