A lepidoptera query

[The Snark]

In Northern Thailand. As a child my wife climbed a tree and came in contact was several blueish white very fuzzy caterpillars. She developed a severe rash within a few hours and was rather sick for several days. (Minor nausea and dizziness)
Are there caterpillars that cause urticaria like this?
I personally suspect anaphylaxis but that doesn't last a whole week.

It's really weird and aggravating as she now has a childhood developed fear of all caterpillars. She will casually handle a raging giant wolf spider then go berserk at seeing a fuzzy.

 

[lucanidae]

Many different moth families have larvae that can have all kinds of nasty effects on the human body, rashes, burning, numbness. These caterpillars are usually covered in these defensive hairs, (I am not saying all fury caterpillars are dangerous.)


"Stinging caterpillars do not sting in the familiar manner of bees, yellowjackets, hornets, and wasps (Order Hymenoptera). In the bee-wasp group, females (only females sting) are equipped with venom glands and stingers (modified ovipositors) with which they penetrate skin and introduce venom. Among the lepidopterans, neither the adult nor the caterpillar possesses this type of sting apparatus. Instead, stinging caterpillars bear specialized nettling or urticaceous setae or spines. These structures are hollow and contain toxins from poison-gland cells to which they are joined. These are primarily defensive structures for protection of caterpillars from predators and other enemies. The sting inflicted on humans is not from a deliberate attack by the caterpillar, but the result of contact, usually inadvertent, with toxin-bearing setae or spines. When brushed against, these structures break away, releasing toxins. In some cases, broken setae may penetrate the skin; in others, toxins spill out to spread on the surface of the skin.

Reactions to contact vary and include: slight to intense nettling, stinging, itching, or burning sensations; development of dermatitis, rash, lesions, or pustules; inflammation, swelling, and numbness at or around the area of contact; fever and nausea; and, in some cases, intense pain. The type of reaction depends on the species of caterpillar, degree of contact, type of toxin, and susceptibility of the individual. Reactions may be especially severe for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin."

from:
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl//bulletins/caterpillar/caterpillar.htm

 

[The Snark]

Thanks very much! I live and learn.
Judging by the tremendous variety of moths and butterflies here, it is safe to assume her encounter and illness was very real and her paranoia quite justified.

 

[bugmankeith]

I have touched tent caterpillar cocoons with no bad effects, why are they listed under having nasty effects to humans?