MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Millipedes

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Millipedes

Contents of this page:
Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms Home Treatment	Before Calling Emergency Poison Control, or a local emergency number What to expect at the emergency room Expectations (prognosis)

Definition

Poisoning from exposure to the toxin secreted by the millipede.

Poisonous Ingredient

millipede venom

Where Found

millipedes

Symptoms

brown skin staining
intense burning and/or itching of exposed skin
blisters

Home Treatment

Wash the exposed area with plenty of soap and water. DO NOT USE ALCOHOL TO WASH THE AREA. Wash eye(s) with plenty of water if any toxin gets in them. Notify the health care provider if any toxin got in the eyes.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
the name of the insect if possible
the time the person was exposed to the toxin

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the person to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.

If possible, bring the insect to the emergency room for identification.

What to expect at the emergency room

Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)

The symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours after exposure. May be more serious with eye exposure.

Update Date: 2/23/2004

Updated by: Cherlin Johnson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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