Processionary caterpillar - Natural treatment
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Earth Line Aloë Vera Irriderm gel

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Help for itching, insect bites, or dry and sensitive skin
Itching caused by the oak processionary caterpillar | Help!

Are you enjoying a lovely walk in nature when suddenly you’re hit by intense itching? Then there’s a good chance you’ve come into contact with the stinging hairs of the oak processionary caterpillar. These microscopic hairs can trigger unpleasant skin reactions in many people. What begins as a relaxing walk can quickly turn into an uncomfortable experience.

Fortunately, there are ways to relieve the symptoms quickly. In this article, we explain what you can do immediately when you experience itching from the processionary caterpillar — and how to prevent further irritation.

PROCESSIONARY CATERPILLAR

The processionary caterpillar is a leaf-eating species that typically nests in or near oak trees. The nests are usually visible, often on the sunny side of the tree. They can already be seen from early April to mid-May, but the nuisance is minimal at that stage. The real problems from the stinging hairs usually occur in June and July.

The cause of the itching is the caterpillar’s tiny hairs. These are spread by the wind and can reach the skin, eyes, and airways. The hairs contain substances that can trigger allergic reactions.

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Processionary caterpillar - Natural treatment

HELP!

The hairs have gotten onto your skin — that can be quite a shock. You’ll feel the itching quickly. Stop — don’t scratch! This will spread the hairs even further. Instead, do the following:

  • Look for sticky tape or a lint roller. Use it to lift the hairs off your skin.

  • Rinse the skin thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water.

  • Soothe the skin by applying a gentle and cooling cream or gel.

  • Wash any contaminated clothing separately from clean clothing, preferably at a high temperature (e.g. 60°C).

  • If you experience severe symptoms in your eyes, be alert for signs of an eye infection — always consult a doctor.

  • Applying heat can help reduce bumps; for example, hold a hot mug against the affected area.

COOLING RELIEF

As soon as you hear “processionary caterpillar” mentioned on the radio, it’s time to go to the shop for the Earth Line Irriderm Gel. This cooling gel not only soothes irritation caused by processionary caterpillars, insects or mosquito bites, but can also be used as a hydrating serum under your day cream. Even if you don’t fall victim to the caterpillar, the gel is useful for many other SOS moments.

The main ingredient in Earth Line Irriderm Gel is healing aloe vera. Aloe vera is deeply soothing and contains a wealth of vitamins (e.g. C and E), minerals and enzymes. It has many wonderful qualities, including calming irritated skin.

EARTH LINE IRRIDERM IS DEVELOPED FOR:

  • Cooling after sun exposure

  • Softening and caring for rough, chapped, dry and sensitive skin

  • Supporting the skin’s natural repair process

  • Ideal for mosquito bites and irritation caused by caterpillars

Earth Line Irriderm Gel contains additional powerful herbs and plant oils that make the formula perfect as an SOS product.

OTHER ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

  • Chamomile: A wonderful herb that protects the skin from external influences, hydrates, and provides optimal calming.

  • Rose water: Soothes redness, maintains the skin’s pH balance, and is effective against skin inflammation.

  • Liquorice root extract: Like rose water, it has anti-inflammatory properties, and also offers antioxidant and antibacterial benefits.

For fast relief, we recommend applying the gel locally 3–5 times per day. Symptoms can persist for 2 to 3 weeks if you do nothing.