What is Millipede Envenomation?
Millipedes are a type of creature known as an arthropod, and there are over 12,000 different kinds of them. You’ll commonly see them in brown or black, but they can also be orange or red. They feed primarily on dead plant material, which is why they’re called detrivores. Their size is diverse and can range from as small as 2mm to as big as over 160mm. Their bodies can be either flat or cylinder-shaped.
They’ve made their homes on every continent except Antarctica, and they tend to prefer areas that are dark, warm, and humid. They particularly like tropic climates where they can burrow into the ground. It’s easy to get them mixed up with centipedes, which are a distant relative, but there are some ways to tell them apart: Millipedes have two pairs of legs for each segment of their body, whereas centipedes have just one; Millipedes are slower and don’t have poison-injecting fangs like centipedes do.
When millipedes feel threatened, they don’t bite or sting. Instead, they coil up into a ball and release a chemical that irritates their predators from tiny pores along their bodies. This clever defense mechanism helps keep them safe from harm.
What Causes Millipede Envenomation?
Millipedes can’t sting, bite, or inject venom as some insects do. Instead, they protect themselves by curling up into a coil and producing toxins from their body. These toxins carry multiple harsh chemicals, including things like hydrogen cyanide, hydrochloric acid, and various compounds called hydroquinones, benzoquinones, alkaloids, and phenols.
Many of these chemicals can be harsh and may cause symptoms if you come into contact with them. For instance, the substance called benzoquinones might lead to brown discoloration on skin or redness, and it can be irritating if it gets into the eyes. Hydrogen cyanide, in small amounts, can irritate skin as well.
Hydrochloric acid, even though it’s in small amounts, can irritate skin and cause a burning sensation among other symptoms. However, most of the time, contact will only result in harmless effects such as skin discoloration, slight irritation, or leaving a bad smell on skin.
Risk Factors and Frequency for Millipede Envenomation
Information about millipede exposures is mostly based on individual case reports and is therefore quite limited. From the available data, we know that children are affected more often than adults. The face, eyes, skin, and limbs are the most common sites of exposure. More incidents happen in tropical areas, likely because millipedes prefer damp environments. They also seem to come into contact with humans more frequently during the rainy season.
Signs and Symptoms of Millipede Envenomation
Millipede exposure is most common in children, likely due to activities such as putting on shoes where millipedes may be hiding. Usually, people might see either a millipede or a centipede, with the two often being mistaken for each other. The typical response to a millipede bite is an inflammation of the skin, which can change its color or cause it to turn a darker shade. Sometimes, there might also be a slight burning feeling, blistering, or the appearance of small liquid-filled bumps.
Eye-related symptoms may include tearfulness and redness of the eyes. Skin discoloration could linger for several weeks.
Testing for Millipede Envenomation
The diagnosis of being exposed to millipedes is usually made by your doctor closely examining your symptoms and situation. A detailed discussion about your health and lifestyle can help to identify the likely cause of your symptoms. Your doctor will ask about things like when your symptoms first started and how they have changed over time, how long you’ve had them, if you’ve been traveling recently, things you’ve been exposed to in your environment, any risks related to your job, and any skin conditions you have or have had. It’s not usually necessary to do any additional lab tests or imaging (like X-rays), to identify a millipede exposure.
Treatment Options for Millipede Envenomation
If you happen to get a substance on your skin, the first step is to rinse the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. This should go on until you no longer smell the substance or for up to twenty minutes. Topical creams containing corticosteroids, like a 1% hydrocortisone cream, can be used to ease any inflammation or itching. This cream can be applied up to three times a day on the affected areas of your skin. Furthermore, there is some suggestion that topical alcohols might help break down any remaining chemicals on the skin, but there aren’t any conclusive studies to support these claims.
If your eyes are exposed to a substance, the situation could be more severe. In such cases, you should thoroughly rinse your eyes with water and then seek medical help from an eye doctor. If you notice a change in your vision, seek medical help urgently. Afterward, daily eye exams might be necessary to guide further treatment and care.
What else can Millipede Envenomation be?
Millipede case studies are mostly found in tropical environments. So, you’re less likely to encounter them unless you’re in a warm, humid environment. This context and the possibility of exposure should be seriously considered. However, in a medical situation, there are more common reasons for skin discoloration or darkening. These include:
- Burns
- Exposure to chemicals
- Injuries from accidents
- Non-accidental harm
- Bites or exposure to other small creatures
What to expect with Millipede Envenomation
Exposure typically doesn’t last for a long time. Changes in skin color usually go away within a few weeks, and other symptoms of local irritation subside in a few days. However, if the eyes are exposed, it could lead to more serious consequences. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of available research on the long-term effects of eye exposure. The limited evidence comes from rare case studies of blindness occurring in less developed areas.
Possible Complications When Diagnosed with Millipede Envenomation
The symptoms can mostly be kept in check with local treatments and there is scant proof pointing to infections or complications after exposure, excluding eye exposure. Several case studies highlight problems such as corneal ulceration and even loss of sight.
Common Problems after Eye Exposure:
- Infections after exposure
- Corneal ulceration
- Loss of sight or blindness
Preventing Millipede Envenomation
To avoid future incidents, children should be taught to check their socks and shoes before putting them on. If your job increases your chances of coming into contact with millipedes, wearing gloves is recommended. It is also strongly advised to avoid handling millipedes directly. Millipedes are often found in damp areas at home, so it’s important to remove all damp and rotting organic material as part of preventative measures.
While it may not always be necessary to use chemical pest control, it can be effective in getting rid of bigger millipede infestations. Plenty of easy-to-use pesticides are available that can help eliminate these creatures.
