Gypsy-Moth-Caterpillar Dermatitis

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Abstract
In the spring of 1981, the northeastern part of the United States had a massive infestation by the gypsy moth caterpillar Lymantria dispar. Coincidently with this infestation, thousands of cases of an unusual pruritic dermatitis were reported to public-health officials, and many articles on the subject appeared in the press. The mild to moderately pruritic eruption was variably described as blotchy redness, erythematous papules, urticarial papules, and linear streaks, and it was noted in both covered and uncovered areas, especially those of the upper and lower extremities. Almost all cases resolved within a few days to two weeks.Evidence implicating . . .