Cas de dermite urticarienne aéroportée à la chenille processionnaire du chêne chez un garde forestier

Oak processionary caterpillar is known to infest European forests. Its hairs contain an urticating toxine (thaumetopoein). The hairs of the adolescent caterpillars cause localized and generalized mechanic-irritative, toxic and allergic skin reactions. Rarely, severe anaphylactic shock has been reported. Setae being spread by the wind may be at the origin of epidemic airborne cutaneous diseases. Several factors, including global warming, may impact the geographical distribution of the caterpillars. We report a case of occupational dermatitis caused by the oak processionary caterpillar in a forest warden. He works and lives in a forest in northern France forest, which has been plagued by the oak processionary caterpillar for the last 3 years. We discuss the occupational aspect of this urticarial dermatitis.