Introduction
Arthropods produce an injury to the skin by
a variety of mechanisms; one or more of which
may be involved in an individual case. Moisture,
warmth, carbon dioxide, estrogens and lactic
acid in sweat are among various factors that
have been found to attract mosquitoes. The
important species that molest man belong to 4
families: Apidae, Bombidae (bees), Vespidae
(wasps), Formicidae (ants). The physical effects
of the arthropod bites on human skin receive less
attention, especially in the rural areas where the
per capita income is less.Whether we are hiking
in the mountains or playing in our backyard,
we run the risk of exposure to the offended
arthropods. The number of skin disorders caused
by arthropods varies from trivial bites and stings
to severe systemic reactions and even death.
Arthropods produce an injury to the skin by
a variety of mechanisms; one or more of which
may be involved in an individual case. Moisture,
warmth, carbon dioxide, estrogens and lactic
acid in sweat are among various factors that have
been found to attract mosquitoes. The important
species that molest man belong to 4 families:
Apidae, Bombidae (bees), Vespidae (wasps),
Formicidae (ants).
Population studies suggest that approximately
1/3rd of the individuals suffering from systemic
reactions have a personal history of atopic
disease. Large local reactions are swellings
exceeding a diameter of 10 cm and lasting longer
than 24 hrs, with an occasional blister.
Certain occupations may carry an increased
risk of reactions to arthropods. Forestry
workers, for example, may be exposed to the
urticating hair of caterpillars of certain species
of Lepidoptera, and dock workers handling
food stuffs may be attacked by mites infesting
the cargo. Also, pregnant women appear more
attractive to mosquitoes than the non-pregnant.