Oedemerid blister beetle dermatosis: a review.

Blister beetle dermatosis is a distinctive vesiculobullous eruption that occurs after contact with three major groups of beetles (Order: Coleoptera). It is caused by a vesicant chemical contained in the body fluids of the beetles. The smallest and least known family is the Oedemer-idae. Although there are few references in the medical literature, blister beede dermatosis caused by oedemerids may be more common and widespread than currently recognized. The best known family is the Meloidae with numerous species worldwide causing blistering. The vesicant chemical in both Oedemeridae and Meloidae is cantharidin. The third group of blister beetles includes species of the genus Paederus (Family: Staphylinidae). The clinicopatho-logic picture differs because this genus contains a different vesicant agent, pederin. The clini-copathologic features of oedemerid blister beetle dermatosis are described. The world medical and relevant entomologie literature is reviewed.