Clinical manifestations and progression, seasonal variation, and environmental factors associated with Paederus dermatitis among patients attending the outpatient dermatology clinic of Thailand’s largest national tertiary referral center: a prospective cohort study

Sukhum Jiamton; Nuttagarn Jantanapornchai; Ya-Nin  Nokdhes; Poramin  Patthamalai; Ploypailin  Tantrapornpong; Pichaya  Limpoka; Piphob  Phonarsa; Oraya Pochanapan

doi:10.22605/RRH6378

Short Communication

Clinical manifestations and progression, seasonal variation, and environmental factors associated with Paederus dermatitis among patients attending the outpatient dermatology clinic of Thailand’s largest national tertiary referral center: a prospective cohort study

AUTHORS

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Sukhum Jiamton¹ MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Dermatology *

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Nuttagarn Jantanapornchai² MD, Research fellow

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Ya-Nin Nokdhes³ MD, Resident of Dermatology

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Poramin Patthamalai⁴ MD, Resident of Dermatology

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Ploypailin Tantrapornpong⁵ MD, Resident of Dermatology

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Pichaya Limpoka⁶ MD, Resident of Dermatology

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Piphob Phonarsa⁷ MSc, Scientist

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Oraya Pochanapan⁸ MD, Research Fellow

AFFILIATIONS

^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8} Sexually Transmitted Disease and HIV Division, Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand

ACCEPTED: 16 December 2020

early abstract:

Background: Paederus dermatitis (PD) is a skin reaction to a chemical substance called paederin that emanates from Paederus spp.
Objective: To investigate the clinical manifestations and progression, seasonal variation, and environmental factors associated with PD among patients attending the outpatient dermatology clinic of Siriraj Hospital.
Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study included patients who were diagnosed with PD at the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand during the October 2017 to July 2018 study period. Socio-demographic and environmental data were collected via questionnaire.
Results: Twenty-five PD patients (16 females, 9 males) were included with a mean age of 40.9 years (range: 17-69). The most common sites were the upper and lower extremities. Erythema, linear, and kissing lesion was found in 100%, 32%, and 28% of patients, respectively. Seventy-six percent of patients demonstrated more than one lesion. Eighty percent of patients lived in Bangkok, and 44% of patients had a home near a farm or forest. Fluorescent lighting was used in the homes of 24 patients. All 25 cases were treated with topical steroid, and some cases received other supportive regimens. Two patients had post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation as a complication; however, only 7 of 25 patients attended the scheduled follow-up visit.
Conclusion: PD presents throughout the year, but the most active month is December. Skin lesions vary from mild irritant dermatitis to severe dermatitis, and the average time to complete cure is 12 days. History and clinical manifestation are essential for accurate diagnosis.