Envenomations Caused by Animals : A Dermatologic Guide to Clinical Recognition and Treatment

About 90% of the injuries caused by venomous and poisonous animals are manifested by cutaneous signs, due to the inflammatory and necrotic characteristics of various toxins. Even when there are no initial changes in the skin, these can appear in later stages. Therefore, it is necessary for health professionals to be able to recognize and treat these types of injuries. This work provides detailed information on the identification of venomous and poisonous animals and the symptoms caused by their toxins. It includes extensive photographic documentation and discussion on the diagnosis and treatment of dermatitis, which can range from small superficial inflammations to deep necrosis with great tissue destruction. The latter can be prevented by early diagnosis. Chapters will discuss the identification of skin lesions caused by envenomation, and the definitions and implications of skin aggression. The content is presented in detail according to injuries caused by beetles (Coleoptera), Millepods, Hemiptera (Pentatomidae), cockroaches (Blattaria), centipedes (Chilopoda), bees and wasps, giant water bugs (Belostomatidae), ticks, ants, caterpillars and moths, spiders, scorpions, snakes, jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war, venomous fish and bats. This original book fills a gap in the medical literature and will be a valuable resource for dermatologists, infectologists and general practitioners. Additionally, it may also be a useful tool for residents, professionals from other medical specialties and even from other areas, such as Biology and Veterinary Medicine. The author has more than 150 publications in indexed journals and forty years of clinical experience on the subject.