Figure 2-8. Chiggers.
2-18. TREAT A MITE (CHIGGER) BITE
a. Cleanse Wound. Cleanse the bite site thoroughly by aggressively scrubbing
it with hot soapy water.
(1)
Apply an antipruritic to control itching.
(2) Apply an anti-inflammatory, such as one percent hydrocortisone cream,
to control inflammation.
(3)
Give diphenhydramine hydrochloride by mouth for the itching.
c. Evacuate, If Needed. Evacuate the casualty to a medical treatment facility, if
severe itching (pruritus) is present.
2-19. IDENTIFY URTICATING CATERPILLAR STINGS
The caterpillar is the larva stage in the life cycle of moths and butterflies. Some
caterpillars have venomous spines for protection. Although these caterpillars may
appear to be soft and defenseless, they are to be respected and definitely not to be
played with. These caterpillars are also referred to as "stinging moth larvae" and are
primarily found in southern states.
a. Physical Characteristics of Urticating Caterpillars. Urticating caterpillars
usually have stout, branched spines placed at various intervals along the body or a
dense mat of extremely fine hair-like material covering both head and body (figure 2-9).
One of the most common species in this group is the saddleback caterpillar, which is
brownish with a green saddle-like mark on the back.
MD0548
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