Browntail Moth Rash Symptoms and How to Get Relief

If you have already been exposed to the toxic hairs from the Browntail moth caterpillar and are looking for relief, click here for more information on our Browntail Moth Rash Relief Spray.

What is this itchy rash on my skin?

If you’re a Mainer, or plan to visit coastal Maine during the months of May, June and July, you should be familiar with the risk of browntail moth rash. In this blog, we’re going to explain how to identify browntail moth rash, describe the symptoms of it, and reveal the most effective way to get fast relief for the uncomfortable itch. This way, you’ll have the critical information you’ll need to get effective relief from this unbearable rash.

How do you identify what triggered the fiery hot, incredibly itchy, and bumpy eruption that seemed to suddenly appear on your arms and neck?  Contact dermatitis is one of the most common rashes, caused by things like poisonous plants or a reaction to chemicals or dyes. However, if you live in, or have recently visited, any of the areas highlighted on the Maine Forest Services’ Browntail Moth (BTM) monitoring dashboard and you have been involved in at least one of the activities below, chances are, you’ve fallen victim to Browntail Moth Rash.

High risk activities to avoid:

• Yard work, including cutting the grass, blowing leaves, weed-whacking, and raking
• Hanging out on your deck or picnicking on the grass
• Opening the windows in your house or car to enjoy the fresh air on a dry, windy day
• Sitting near or working around trees and shrubs
• Air-drying your laundry outside
• Touching one of those furry little browntail moth caterpillars – yikes!

Browntail Moth Rash occurs after coming into contact with the poisonous hairs shed by browntail moth caterpillars. These microscopic hairs can become airborne, especially during dry, windy weather conditions, and are found everywhere in browntail-infested areas including trees, lawns, gardens, decks, and picnic tables.

The most active season for browntail moth caterpillars is from May through July, but because the hairs can remain toxic for up to three years, it’s possible for a rash to develop at other times throughout the year.

What are the symptoms of browntail moth rash?

The symptoms of browntail moth rash are similar to poison ivy. Sufferers experience an outbreak of red bumps on the affected area which causes great discomfort and a fiery itch that doesn’t seem to stop. These symptoms usually develop at the time of exposure or several hours after and can last for hours or even weeks. In more serious cases, individuals can experience respiratory issues such as trouble breathing as a result of inhaling the poisonous hairs.

Most individuals affected will notice signs of the rash soon after an outdoor activity where they have been exposed to trees or shrubs that are home to the pests or from wearing clothing that has been exposed to the tiny airborne hairs.

People will often ask if browntail moth rash is contagious. You can’t “catch” the rash like a cold virus – there must be contact with the barb-like, toxic hairs of the caterpillar for the rash to develop.

That’s why it’s important to follow these steps immediately after exposure to browntail moth caterpillars:

• Wash the exposed clothing by itself in hot water with the recommended amount of laundry detergent.
• Dry clothing in the dryer.
• Scrub exposed skin with a brush or rough cloth while taking a cool, 10-15 minute shower.

Now it’s time to consider ways to relieve the itch that’s bound to keep you up all night in a state of discomfort.

What can you do to relieve browntail moth itch?

Don’t Panic. While there is nothing that will make the rash go away, there are a few different options for treatment that are focused on relieving symptoms.

For some, over-the-counter (OTC) lotions and oral antihistamines may do the trick while others prefer the direct approach of getting a prescription – the fastest, most effective way to relieve the symptoms.

OTC Medications commonly used to temporarily relieve itching:

• Calamine lotion
• Benadryl spray
• Hydrocortisone cream

Prescription Medications:

As the presence of browntail moth rash has increased, so has the availability and use of prescription treatments to help alleviate the unpleasant symptoms. Prescriptions can generally provide relief with the ease of one bottle as opposed to using multiple lotions, creams, or sprays.

Check with your doctor or local pharmacist for options available in your area. For severe reactions, or if you have trouble breathing, be sure to contact your doctor to develop an immediate plan of action.

Kennebec Pharmacy compounds a prescription spray that has helped many customers quickly alleviate symptoms associated with browntail moth rash. Once prescribed, your Browntail Moth Rash Relief Spray can be picked up from one of our pharmacy locations listed below or be delivered to your home in Maine. Contact your local Kennebec Pharmacy or click here for more information.

Most people who have experienced the red bumps and unforgettable itching caused by browntail moth rash would tell you, skip the over-the-counter methods – go straight to what works best, and works fast – Browntail Moth Rash Relief spray.