Silkworm caterpillars, which are dangerous for people, have become active in the Curonian Spit National Park. Just at this time, they begin to move in search of a place for pupation, the press service of the national park said.
“Over the next 2-3 weeks, in places where marching silkworms are found, you should be careful not to leave the wooden decks or completely refuse to visit the bird ringing station, Vysota Efa and the vicinity of the village of Morskoye. In any case, it is advisable to dress, covering all parts of the body,”they say in the national park.
Doctors warn that it is highly undesirable to touch the caterpillars with your hands. The hairs covering the bodies of mature caterpillars are very stinging. It is better not to come close to the places of their migration and walk carefully along the coast, because caterpillars pupate, burrowing in the sand.
Itching and burning produces dust of rubbed red cilia. This dust is carried by the wind, falling on the grass and on various objects. Getting on the skin, it, being invisible to the eye, causes a strong allergic reaction, which manifests itself in different ways in different people. Most often, small weeping red bubbles appear on the skin, unbearably itchy; if the skin of the face is affected, then the eyes are sometimes completely closed from its swelling. The inflammation can last for several weeks.
At the first symptoms of allergy, it is necessary to urgently consult a dermatologist or allergist.
