Environmental Dermatology

Environmental Dermatology

Aquatic Antagonists: Sponge Dermatitis

Author:

Brian A. Cahn, MD

Dirk M. Elston, MD

Sponges from the phylum Porifera exist throughout the world in marine and freshwater environments. Although many encounters with humans are benign...

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Environmental Dermatology

What’s Eating You? Human Flea (Pulex irritans)

Author:

Megan O’Donnell, BS

Dirk M. Elston, MD

The human flea, Pulex irritans, is a vector for various human diseases including the bubonic plague, bartonellosis, and rickettsioses.

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Environmental Dermatology

What’s Eating You? Oriental Rat Flea (Xenopsylla cheopis)

Author:

Leah Ellis Wells, MD

Dirk M. Elston, MD

The oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) is an ectoparasite of small mammals and a vector of many diseases for which humans are...

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Environmental Dermatology

What’s Eating You? Megalopyge opercularis

Author:

Melba Estrella, MD

Dirk M. Elston, MD

Megalopyge opercularis is the most widely distributed caterpillar species in the Americas, and envenomation by it can occur year-round....

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Environmental Dermatology

What’s Eating You? Bark Scorpions (Centruroides exilicauda and Centruroides sculpturatus)

Author:

Avni Patel, BS

Dirk M. Elston, MD

Stings from Centruroides exilicauda and Centruroides sculpturatus have been shown to cause fatality in children more often than...

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Environmental Dermatology

What’s Eating You? Human Body Lice (Pediculus humanus corporis)

Author:

Emily S. Nyers, MD

Dirk M. Elston, MD

Compared to head and pubic lice, body lice carry increased morbidity in the form of greater body surface area involvement, possible infectious...

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Environmental Dermatology

What’s Eating You? Vespids Revisited

Author:

Tyler Evans, MD

Dirk M. Elston, MD

Three types of reactions can be seen after a vespid sting: uncomplicated local reactions, large local reactions, and systemic reactions. Although...

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Environmental Dermatology

What’s Eating You? Blister Beetles Revisited

Author:

Bonnie D. Hodge, MD

George W. Elgart, MD

Dirk M. Elston, MD

Blister beetles can cause a blistering dermatitis in humans by emitting the substance cantharidin, which has been pharmologically used as a...

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Environmental Dermatology

What’s Eating You? Dusky Pigmy Rattlesnake Envenomation and Management

Author:

Mario J. Sequeira, MD

Andrew J. Sequeira

The dusky pigmy rattlesnake is a small snake but is responsible for envenomations requiring hospitalization. This article presents the case of a...

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Environmental Dermatology

What’s Eating You? The South African Fattail Scorpion Revisited

Author:

Henry Tomlinson, MD

Dirk M. Elston, MD

Worldwide, there are more than 3250 deaths a year related to scorpion stings. With the increasing popularity of exotic and dangerous pets,...

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Environmental Dermatology

What’s Eating You? Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides felis) Revisited

Author:

Gage P. Rensch, MD

Dirk M. Elston, MD

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