Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. This is a publication of the U. This publication is in the public domain and is therefore without copyright. All text from this work may be reprinted freely. Use of these materials should be properly cited. We report patients in their homes in France who had cutaneous lesions caused by Anthrenus sp.
These lesions mimic bites but are allergic reactions to larvae hairs pegged in the skin. These lesions should be distinguished from bites of bed bugs or fleas.
Keywords: Anthrenus sp. Among all biting insects, some are responsible only for bite lesions, and others are also vectors of diseases 1 β 3. In both instances, these insects are a physical nuisance and sometimes a psychological one. The most-described biting insects found in human dwellings are bed bugs, which are transmitted by travel and movement of persons; and fleas, which are transmitted by household pets 3 , 4.
We describe patients requesting a dermatologic consultation for skin lesions caused by hairs of Anthrenus sp. Each person had a several-week history of multiple skin lesions. Erythematous papular lesions always appeared first in 1 family member. Then, in all cases, dermatitis progressively affected some, but not all, family members. Lesions and absence of other symptoms did not evoke a specific dermatologic condition.
Because the scattering of symptoms among family members was compatible with insect infestation, patients were referred to the Department of Medical Entomology for further examination. No recent history of travel, purchase of second-hand items, or presence of infected pets confirmed by veterinarians were reported by the families.
