Millipede Envenomation Medication

  • Author: Robert L Norris, MD; Chief Editor: Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM   more...
 
Updated: Mar 22, 2012
 

Medication Summary

Significant conjunctivitis or dermatitis caused by toxic millipede secretions can be treated with topical steroids.

Next

Ophthalmic agents

Class Summary

These agents prevent further ulcerations of the cornea and should be given in consultation with an ophthalmologist.

Prednisolone, ophthalmic (Pred Forte)

 

Decreases inflammation by suppressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability.

Prednisolone/sulfacetamide ophthalmic

 

Treats steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions that have a risk of infection.

Previous
Next

Corticosteroid, Topical

Class Summary

Used to treat erythema and skin irritation that result from chemical insults. Prevent further ulcerations of the skin.

Triamcinolone topical

 

Treats inflammatory dermatitis that is responsive to steroids. Decreases inflammation by suppressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing capillary permeability.

Hydrocortisone topical

 

Treats inflammatory dermatitis responsive to steroids. Decreases inflammation by suppressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing capillary permeability.

Previous
Proceed to Follow-up
 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Robert L Norris, MD  Professor, Department of Surgery, Chief, Division of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center

Robert L Norris, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, California Medical Association, International Society of Toxinology, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, and Wilderness Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

James Li, MD  Former Assistant Professor, Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Board of Directors, Remote Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

John T VanDeVoort, PharmD  Regional Director of Pharmacy, Sacred Heart and St Joseph's Hospitals

John T VanDeVoort, PharmD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Richard H Sinert, DO  Professor of Emergency Medicine, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Research Director, State University of New York College of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Kings County Hospital Center

Richard H Sinert, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

John D Halamka, MD, MS  Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

John D Halamka, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM  Associate Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School; Medical Director, WeCare Med, Inc

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References
  1. Hare T. Poisonous Dwellers of the Desert. Tucson, AZ: Southwest Parks and Monuments Association; 1995.

  2. Peters S. A Colour Atlas of Arthropods in Clinical Medicine. Barcelona, Spain: Wolfe Publishing Ltd; 1992.

  3. Williams LA, Singh PD, Caleb-Williams LS. Biology and biological action of the defensive secretion from a Jamaican millipede. Naturwissenschaften. 1997;84(4):143-4. [Medline].

  4. Shimizu N, Kuwahara Y, Yakumaru R, Tanabe T. n-Hexyl laurate and fourteen related fatty acid esters: new secretory compounds from the julid millipede, Anaulaciulus sp. J Chem Ecol. Jan 2012;38(1):23-8. [Medline].

  5. Hendrickson RG. Millipede exposure. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2005;43(3):211-2. [Medline].

  6. Mason GH, Thomson HD, Fergin P, Anderson R. Spot diagnosis. The burning millipede. Med J Aust. Jun 6 1994;160(11):718, 726. [Medline].

  7. Radford AJ. Giant millipede burns in Papua New Guinea. P N G Med J. Sep 1976;18(3):138-41. [Medline].

  8. Radford AJ. Millipede burns in man. Trop Geogr Med. Sep 1975;27(3):279-87. [Medline].

  9. Dar NR, Raza N, Rehman SB. Millipede burn at an unusual site mimicking child abuse in an 8-year-old girl. Clin Pediatr (Phila). Jun 2008;47(5):490-2. [Medline].

  10. De Capitani EM, Vieira RJ, Bucaretchi F, Fernandes LC, Toledo AS, Camargo AC. Human accidents involving Rhinocricus spp., a common millipede genus observed in urban areas of Brazil. Clin Toxicol (Phila). Mar 2011;49(3):187-90. [Medline].

  11. Hudson BJ, Parsons GA. Giant millipede 'burns' and the eye. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. Mar-Apr 1997;91(2):183-5. [Medline].

Previous
Next
 
The desert millipede, Orthoporus ornatus. Photo by Robert Norris, MD.
The desert millipede, Orthoporus ornatus. Photo by Robert Norris, MD.
Millipede contact injury on day 3 following exposure.
 
 
 
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2012 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.