The oak processionary moth is a moth that is particularly comfortable in warmer climates. Due to climate change, it is also moving further north into more northerly areas. The hairs of the caterpillar of the oak processionary moth trigger strong allergic reactions, the so-called oak processionary moth allergy, in many people.
What is oak processionary moth allergy?
The allergic reactions are caused by the focal hairs of the caterpillars of the oak processionary moth. These hairs protect the animal from hostile attackers. Before pupation, the caterpillars build a nest and also use these burning hairs for this purpose. Since the nests are often exposed to the wind, hairs can come loose and be carried far away by the wind, so it is not necessary to come into direct contact with the caterpillar. The hairs are microscopic. The special thing about the hairs is that their effect is maintained for years and they do not dissolve very easily, so likewise the detached hairs from previous years can cause problems.
Causes
The cause of the oak processionary moth allergy is the poison in the hairs of the caterpillar. This venom is intended as a defense against predators. The poison is the protein thaumetopoein. This venom is released when the hairs are broken. The extent of the allergic reaction to the burning hairs of the oak processionary moth depends on the immune system of the affected person, no general prediction can be made about this.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Reddening of the skin in the form of wheals as well as itching are the most noticeable complaints of an oak processionary moth allergy. Click to enlarge. The complaints and symptoms of an oak processionary moth allergy are usually very similar to those of a common allergy. The affected person suffers from a very strong itching, which can occur in different parts of the body, usually affecting the arms or the legs. Furthermore, the formation of pustules or wheals also occurs, whereby these can also be associated with pain. Scratching further intensifies the itching. Likewise, the oak processionary moth allergy can lead to respiratory distress, in which the patient can completely lose consciousness in the worst case and injure himself in a fall. The quality of life of the affected person is significantly reduced by this allergy when contact with the allergen occurs. In case of severe respiratory problems, damage to the internal organs or even the brain can also occur, whereby this damage is irreversible and can no longer be treated. Fever also occurs, leaving sufferers feeling tired and weary. If the oak processionary moth allergy is not treated, it is not uncommon for the conjunctiva to become inflamed. If contact with the allergen is avoided, the life expectancy of the patient is not reduced by the oak processionary moth allergy. The severity of the individual symptoms also strongly depends on the severity of the allergy. The allergy to the oak processionary moth manifests itself mainly in skin eczema, irritation of the eyes as well as the respiratory tract. In some cases, fever, dizziness and circulatory problems occur. A general feeling of malaise with headaches and fatigue can also occur. In particularly severe cases, the allergic reaction can even be life-threatening. The skin rashes manifest themselves mainly in the form of nettles with red areas or dots, accompanied by severe itching. Inhalation may cause irritation of the respiratory tract with respiratory distress or even inflammation. If the hairs get into the eyes, there is severe redness and sometimes inflammation of the eye.
Diagnosis and course
The course of the allergy varies. In mild forms, the irritation often subsides quickly, but at the latest within a week to a maximum of two weeks. Sensitive people should be particularly careful, as the effects can cause allergic shock. This condition can become life-threatening. Since no direct contact with the animal is necessary, many affected people do not know what is actually wrong with them, but most doctors are aware of the problem, especially in the frequently affected, warmer regions. They can then quickly classify the symptoms.The main time for the occurrence of the allergy is in May and June, during which time the oak processionary moths produce the toxic stinging hairs the most.
Complications
The symptoms and complications of oak processionary moth allergy are relatively similar to the symptoms of other diseases, which is why a diagnosis cannot be made early. In most cases, there is reddened skin with severe itching. If the patient scratches himself, the itching usually intensifies further. Respiratory distress also occurs and the affected person may lose consciousness. It is not uncommon for patients to also suffer from dizziness and fever. There is a general feeling of illness and a decrease in performance. In addition to the rashes, coughing may also occur. People suffering from asthma are particularly affected by the disease. In the worst case, circulatory collapse occurs. In most cases, there is no causal treatment. However, the patient’s life is restricted, as contact with nature is no longer allowed without further ado. Likewise, a high level of hygiene must be maintained. In severe cases, the oak processionary moth allergy can also be treated with the help of medication. In this case, no further complications occur. Life expectancy is not limited by oak processionary moth allergy in most cases.
When should you go to the doctor?
If itching, wheals, problems breathing, and other typical signs of oak processionary moth allergy occur after contact with hives, a doctor should be consulted. If symptoms are more severe, emergency medical services are best contacted directly. Allergic shock must be treated immediately by an emergency physician. In order to avoid such serious complications, allergy sufferers should consult the appropriate physician immediately in the event of symptoms. The same applies to children, sick and elderly people and pregnant women. People with pre-existing conditions of the immune system should also seek medical advice quickly in the event of symptoms mentioned and seek treatment if necessary. The assumption of an oak processionary moth allergy is obvious if the complaints have occurred for the first time after walks in the forest or generally after staying in areas with many oak trees. If this is the case, a doctor must be consulted. In addition to the family doctor, the allergist or – in case of medical emergencies – the nearest clinic is the appropriate contact point. Once diagnosed, treatment must be monitored, followed by comprehensive aftercare.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of oak processionary moth allergy rashes are primarily treated with antiallergic drugs as well as antihistamines and cortisone preparations. It is important that the severely itchy skin is not scratched by the patient, as this only allows the stinging hairs to penetrate further into the skin and cause further inflammation. Most often, the affected areas of skin are treated with a cream containing cortisone to relieve the inflammation. Respiratory symptoms and shortness of breath are treated with bronchodilator sprays, which are also used for asthma conditions. This is especially helpful because the symptoms of the disease on the respiratory tract cause similar reactions as asthma itself. Children are often more affected by the effects than adults and should always be presented to a doctor. The first measure after contact with burning hairs is to take an extensive shower and wash all clothing intensively at a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius. It is important not to take the clothes contaminated with stinging hairs loose into the home, but to transport them in a plastic bag directly into the washing machine. If hairs were to remain in the clothing, they could cause irritation again and again. The thorough cleaning of the shoes should not be forgotten.
Outlook and prognosis
In the case of an oak processionary moth allergy, the prognosis depends very much on how strongly the affected person reacts to the caterpillar’s microscopic stinging hairs. In normally sensitive individuals, the outlook is very good for allergic reactions. In mild allergic reactions, sufferers can expect the irritation to subside relatively quickly. It should have subsided after two weeks at the latest. However, the prognosis is worse for people who react strongly to the toxic stinging hairs.These are distributed by the wind. In the case of a pronounced oak processionary moth allergy, the protein thaumetopoein threatens anaphylactic shock. The problem is that those affected often have no direct contact with the caterpillar of the processionary moth. They do not recognize what is afflicting them. However, the problem is now well known among treating physicians. It is important for a good prognosis that those present in the room react correctly at the first signs of anaphylactic shock. This is an acute emergency that requires immediate action. The emergency physician must be alerted immediately. There may be a danger to life in the event of an oak processionary moth allergy. The most important time to experience an oak processionary moth allergy is during the months of May and June. These months see the most contact with the toxic stinging hairs of the oak processionary moth.
Prevention
Prevention of oak processionary moth allergy is only partial. It is advisable to stay away from known locations where the oak processionary moth is clustered, this may be in May and June especially in deciduous forests. Although the oak processionary moth prefers oak, it can be found in other deciduous tree species. Loose-fitting long clothing can keep at least some burning hairs off the skin, minimizing the effects of an oak processionary moth allergy. Because the burning hairs can be carried on with the wind there is little protection against inhalation. Removal of oak processionary moth nests is sometimes done with special suits, but this can only limit the effects and not prevent them entirely.
Aftercare
In the case of oak processionary moth allergy, there are usually no or very few measures and options for aftercare, so that the affected person is primarily dependent on medical treatment for this. In general, contact with the trigger of this allergy should be avoided so that the symptoms do not occur. However, if the symptoms of oak processionary moth allergy do occur, it is advisable to seek medical attention to prevent further complications. Further measures of aftercare are usually no longer necessary. The treatment of this allergy is carried out with the help of medication, whereby those affected are dependent on a correct dosage and also on regular intake. However, if respiratory symptoms occur, a doctor must be consulted first. After the appearance of the complaints of the oak processionary moth allergy, the worn clothes should also be washed, so that it does not come again to the appearance of the complaints. Shoes should also be cleaned well in the process. Parents should also pay attention to the symptoms of oak processionary moth allergy in children and consult a doctor if necessary. As a rule, this disease does not result in a reduced life expectancy of the affected person.
This is what you can do yourself
Oak processionary moth allergy is caused by the stinging hairs of the caterpillar species of the same name. These microscopic hairs serve as protection for the animal from predators and are carried in all directions by the wind. Even after many years, the caterpillar hairs can still trigger allergies, some of which can be severe. Those affected with weak body defenses, especially children, the elderly, asthmatics and the chronically ill, are advised to strengthen their immune system with a diet rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, care must be taken to maintain a hygienically clean environment in one’s own home. If the oak processionary moth allergy has broken out after contact, avoid scratching the skin as much as possible to counteract inflammation and take an extensive shower immediately. Clothing worn at the time should be washed at a temperature of at least 60 degrees, and shoes should be intensively cleaned. If severe burning and itching rashes develop, treatment with antihistamines, anti-allergics and cortisone preparations is carried out after medical clarification. In the case of highly allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fever and circulatory collapse, self-help measures are not effective and the emergency medical service must be called immediately. In principle, those affected with oak processionary moth allergy are not very restricted in their everyday life.Spending time in nature between May and June, especially in the immediate vicinity of deciduous forests, should be avoided if possible and should only be done with well-covered parts of the body.
