title: Scolopendra bites: a report of two cases and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Centipedes are arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda. Approximately 3000 species have been described. Centipedes are found more commonly in tropical and subtropical countries. Centipedes possess venomous fangs. The Scolopendra represent the best-known genus of centipede.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe two cases of severe skin reactions caused by Scolopendra subspinipes bites.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both patients were bitten on the hand. The clinical picture was characterized by severe erythematous edema. In addition, one patient presented with a blister. Both patients complained of severe pain. Laboratory examinations showed leukocytosis and an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Complete remission was achieved within two weeks by means of paracetamol and oral prednisone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Western dermatologists should be aware of the possibility of severe skin reactions caused by centipede bites.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) (Italian Research Hospital Foundation), Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Veraldi
authors.forename: Ermira
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cuka
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gaiani
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001181:Arthropods; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000082:Acetaminophen; D011241:Prednisone