How long after initial contact with pederin-containing hemolymph does the characteristic rash manifest?
Answer
24 to 48 hours
A hallmark characteristic that often confuses individuals regarding the cause of their skin affliction is the delayed onset of symptoms associated with Paederus dermatitis. Unlike direct stings or bites, which typically cause immediate pain, swelling, or an instant welt, the reaction caused by pederin exposure is insidious. The initial sign, erythema (redness), usually does not appear until one to two full days after the physical contact with the toxic fluid has occurred. This latency period, spanning 24 to 48 hours, often leads patients to forget or fail to associate the later-developing rash with a prior, seemingly innocuous encounter with the beetle, complicating the diagnostic process when presenting to a clinician.
Related Questions
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