Clinical Presentation of “Rove Beetle Dermatitis”

Objectives: This case series describes new clinical features ofRove beetle dermatitisMethods: Interviews were conducted with four students atUniversity Sains Malaysia with current or past Rove beetle skininfections. Information on the onset of symptoms,complication, treatment and duration of symptoms wererecorded. A physician at a local clinic was also interview todescribe the challenges in diagnosis and therapy for thiscondition.Results: This case series describes new features of Rovebeetle dermatitis. Redness, swelling, fatigue and localisedstretching of the skin were the commonly reportedsymptoms. However, vibrations, twitching of the skin anddifficulty in breathing were new features observed in thisstudy. Three of the four patients were not aware of theaetiology of the condition, antibiotics and topical steroidswere prescribed for the management and prevention ofsecondary infection.Conclusion: Rove beetle dermatitis is a common seasonalendemic in Malaysia, with a higher incidence in the month ofSeptember and March. This case series highlights the need fora health literacy program, aimed at informing the public andmedical practitioners about the aetiology, symptoms andcomplications of this infection.