• G Leigheb, R Tiberio, G Filosa, L Bugatti, and G Ciattaglia.
• Department of Dermatology, University of Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy. dermo@magioreosp.novara.it
• J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2005 Nov 1; 19 (6): 722-4.

AbstractThysanoptera dermatitis is caused by the bite of small (1-2 mm) insects (generally thrips). Thrips usually feed on the juices of vegetables but if they reach human skin they can suck the epidermal lymph after biting. The cutaneous lesions formed are small pink and itchy papules localized mainly on the trunk and the arms. Diagnosis is only possible by demonstrating that the insect is present inside one of the lesions of the skin. Thysanoptera dermatitis is often misdiagnosed as mosquito bites. Although self-resolving in a few days, Thysanoptera dermatitis should be known not only for the cultural and scientific training of the dermatologist but also to add more detailed diagnostic information to the generic diagnosis of 'entomodermatosis' and to confirm the benign evolution of the bites.

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