Paederus dermatitis: A report of 46 cases in Aydin, Turkey

Paederus dermatitis is a specific form of acute irritant contact dermatitis caused by pederin, a secretion of insects of the genus Paederus. The disea se is characterized by vesicles, bullae and sometimes small pustules on an erythematous base with sudden onset of a stinging, burning sensation, The d ermatitis is most frequently seen in regions with a hot, tropical climate. We present 46 cases from Aydln, Turkey, a province well known for its long hot summers. These are the first cases reported from this region. We would like to point out the possibility of Paederus dermatitis in regions with a similar climate and suggest that 'night burn' be included among other diffe rential diagnoses of a grouped vesicular and/or pustular lesion on an eryth ematous base. Copyright (R) 2000 S. Karger AG. Basel.