Pyemotes ventricosus dermatitis B88.0

Acute dermatitis caused by stings of the ball mite "Pyemotes-ventricosus", which can be found in various types of skin. It can occur in various regions of Italy and southern France (endemic) but also in non-European countries. In Italy, pyemotes-ventricosus stings are one of the most frequent causes of dermatitic reactions by mites.

Caused by Pyemotes ventricosus mites, a predatory mite species that parasitizes on the larvae of the woodworm, also known as common nail beetle (Anobium punctatum). Pyemotes ventricosus therefore infests people who have been in contact with old wood or old furniture. As with all epizoonoses caused by Pyemotes species, humans are false hosts.

Multiple bright red, very itchy, small spotted stabbing reactions; not rarely lymphangitic accompanying reactions are found, which are described as "comet tail-like".

Examination of wood flour with microscopic detection of mites

Since humans are false hosts, the mites only stay on the human skin for a short time. They fall off afterwards. In this respect, only the sting reactions are to be treated, e.g. with a 1% hydrocortisone lotio.

Pyemotes ventricosus dermatitis is mainly observed in Italy (Rome, Tuscany, Sicily) but also in southern France and Australia (Del Giudice P et al. 2008; Letchford J et al. 1994)

1. Del Giudice P et al (2008) Pyemotes ventricosus dermatitis, Southeastern France. Emerg Infect Dis. 14: 1759–1761.
2. Hewitt M et al (1976) A case of Pyemotes dermatitis, with a note on the role of these mites in skin disease. Br J Dermatol 94:423-430.
3. Letchford J et al (1994) Pyemotes species strongly implicated in an outbreak of dermatitis in a Queensland country hospital. Pathology 26:330-332