Caterpillars

Home treatment:

Wash hands with soap and water.

Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable covering) on the affected site for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. If patient has circulatory problems, decrease the time to prevent possible damage to the skin.

Before calling emergency:

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• identity of the insect if possible
• the time of the incident

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. If possible, bring the insect to the emergency room for identification.

What to expect at the emergency room:

• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Death is not very likely.