Beetle attack cases on the rise

PANCHKULA: With the season (May to August) favourable for beetles, city hospitals are receiving about 10 cases every day of beetle attacks. Most of the cases involve students in the age group of 18 to 25 years living in PGs or college hostels.
Beetles are dangerous insects that can cause a skin disorder “paederus dermatitis”, which can leave permanent scars on the affected area if not treated properly.
“We are receiving many such cases daily. Most of these patients are hostellers and students staying as paying guests, because they live in close proximity. The beetles don’t bite or sting, but when these come in contact with a person or if someone crushes them on his skin, then these cause a red rash. When crushed these release a poisonous toxin, pederin,” said Dr Vikas Sharma, chief consultant dermatologist at National Skin Hospital, Sector 5, Mansa Devi Complex, Panchkula.
“Such cases are also being reported from Zirakpur, Banur, Derabassi and Ramgarh, where there are many colleges and hostels,” he added.