Browntail moth caterpillars (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) have tiny barbed hairs containing toxins.
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Symptoms
When your skin comes into contact with the hairs, arashdevelops.
About the Browntail Moth Caterpillar
The browntail moth caterpillar is approximately 1.5 inches long.
Tomasz Klejdysz / Getty Images
The caterpillar comes out of its nest in April and is a full-grown moth in July.
While the caterpillar grows, it sheds its skin and drops its toxic hairs.
How to Treat a Browntail Moth Rash
There is no specific treatment or cure.
As a result, browntail moth rash treatment focuses on relieving symptoms until they heal on their own.
Use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and home treatments to help relieve your symptoms.
The spray ingredients are as follows:
Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle.
Shake well and keep in the refrigerator.
Apply to the rash twice each day.
The spray solution is good for 30 days.
Summary
The browntail moth caterpillar has tiny barbed hairs containing a toxin that causes a rash.
The skin rash is typically bumpy, red, itchy, and painful and lasts days to weeks.
The rash has no cure, but OTC products and home treatments can ease the symptoms.
If your symptoms do not get better or worsen, contact a healthcare provider.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services.Browntail moth caterpillars fact sheet.
The University of Maine.Browntail moth.
Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention.Browntail moths.
MaineGeneral Health.Browntail moth prevention and treatment.
Kennebec Pharmacy.Browntail moth rash symptoms and how to get relief.
