Blister beetle periorbital dermatitis and keratoconjunctivitis in Tanzania

Abstract

Two cases of periorbital dermatitis and one case of keratoconjunctivitis following contact with blister beetle are presented. In Tanzania and Kenya the commonest blister beetle is known as Nairobi Fly and is of the genus Paederus. Ocular symptoms are common, usually secondary to transfer by the fingers of the toxic chemical involved from elsewhere on the skin. Blister beetle keratoconjunctivitis has not previously been described in detail.