PODIATRIST TREATS BITE FROM POISONOUS CATERPILLAR

A woman who came into contact with a poisonous hickory tussock caterpillar earlier this summer wants to warn others, especially curious children, before they suffer the same fate. After stepping on a caterpillar, she was initially mis-diagnosed with gout at an urgent care center and then with a stress fracture at her PCP who referred her to David Pinegar, DPM, a podiatrist. During a follow-up appointment with Dr. Pinegar, 27 days after coming into contact with the caterpillar, he took one look at her foot and said “this is no stress fracture.”

 

Dr. David Pinegar and hickory tussock caterpillar

 

Dr. Pinegar believed it to be an infection from a bug bite and ordered blood work. The blood tests did not show any infection, but indicated above-normal antinuclear antibodies. She was prescribed steroids which reduced the swelling and pain level down to 1, she said. The pain and swelling returned the day her meds ended. Dr. Pinegar prescribed meloxicam, which is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. After 35 days, her symptoms went away and did not return.

 

Source: Matt Lindsey, North Country Now [10/4/19] 

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News.