Suggest Treatment For Itch And Flu Like Symptoms

Posted on Fri, 15 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 15 Aug 2014 Answered on

Sat, 6 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : A caterpillar fell on me on Wednesday. I brushed it off but in have welts at the sight and it itches slightly. Also my throat is soar and I gave flu like symptoms. What should I do?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
hi

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your query.

The fact remains that caterpillars and most worms have some toxic fluids in them. Its a nature's protective mechanism for them. This fluid, in contact with the skin, can cause irritation and itching, and rash.
Its not harmful, and will pass.
Yet take antiallergic creams and antiallergic medicines if it is bothering you too much.

The URTI is definitely NOT due to the caterpillar.
You can try
- steam inhalation
- warm saline gargles
- a mild antibiotic
- an antiallergic tab
- paracetamol sos

I hope this helps answer your query.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar