"Sign of the kiss" in dermatitis caused by vesicant beetles ("potós" or Paederus sp.).
The cosmopolitan beetles of the Paederus genus (potós) cause a severe dermatitis when the insect is crushed against the skin of exposed areas (the cervical region is the most affected). Toxins (pederin and others) from the hemolymph of the insect cause plaques and/or bizarre, linear lesions with erythema, edema, blisters, pustules, crusts and exulcerations. There may be a burning sensation and severe conjunctivitis. Lesions disappear after 10 days and may leave hyperchromic macules. Treatment is made with topical corticosteroids and intensive washing.
Sao Paulo State University Julio de Mesquita Filho, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
Vidal
V
Haddad Junior
D000818:Animals; D000832:Animals, Poisonous; D001180:Arthropod Venoms / Q000506:poisoning*; D001517:Coleoptera; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans
D001180:Arthropod Venoms