Pharmacists in north-west London are braced to treat patients who have been exposed to the toxic hairs of a European caterpillar.

Exposure to the hairs of the oak processionary moth caterpillar could cause itchy skin rashes, conjunctivitis and respiratory problems, said the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s London North West Local Practice Forum. Pharmacists in north-west London had first spotted patients with these symptoms in 2012 and since September 2014 had collaborated with the University of Bath since September 2014 to track these cases, the forum said today (May 13).

Government body the Forestry Commision said on its website that the caterpillar originates in southern Europe and was accidentally imported to Europe on oak trees – its natural habitat – in 2005. There were three confirmed breeding areas in the UK, including parts of south-west London, Surrey and West Berkshire, it said.

The forum said caterpillars were thought to have spread to a number of London boroughs, including Camden, Westminster and Lambeth. Pharmacists in north-west London were working to “maintain preparedness for treating patients” exposed to the caterpillar and “liaising with relevant authorities to help control infestation", it added.

Forum lead Stephanie Bancroft said pharmacists should be looking for the symptoms of caterpillar contact and asking patients “the right questions” if they were unsure of the cause of a rash.

Pharmacists should treat the rashes with an antihistamine or refer if the rash was extensive, Ms Bancroft told C+D. The patient should also be referred if the caterpillar hairs had caused conjunctivitis, she said.

“The most important thing to remember is if they’re asthmatic and having breathing difficulties they should be referred," Ms Bancroft added.

The Forestry Commission said that the caterpillars moved around oak trees in late spring and summer and their hairs contained an irritating substance called thaumetopoein. It advised the public to see a pharmacist for the treatment of any skin or eye irritations after coming into contact with the creature.

 

Have you treated a patient who has reacted to contact with this caterpillar? 

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