BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 8, 2021
This summer is predicted to be a bad one for browntail moth caterpillar outbreaks in the state. Browntail moth caterpillars have poisonous, irritating hairs that can cause a blistery rash similar to poison ivy when people come into contact with them. The hairs also can cause respiratory distress if people breathe them in. There are treatment options easily available. Christine Cattan, a pharmacist at Bangor Drug Company., said, “Any sort of antihistamine will help. I also recommend people use a nice hydrocortisone cream with aloe to soothe the irritation.” Before doing anything though, Cattan said you should wash the affected area. Applying ice packs and taking ibuprofen can also help, she said. Cattan does caution to never use a topical and oral diphenhydramine — like Benadryl — at the same time.