Recently in Jinan, various areas have reported frequent appearances of hidden-winged insects, causing redness, swelling, blisters, and even ulcers on the skin of many residents due to accidental contact or being bitten by these insects.
“Out of nowhere, there were thirty to forty of them in my house, and after I squeezed a few to death, I ended up getting affected!” Mr. Li, a resident of Tianqiao District in Jinan, told Qilu Evening News. In a state of urgency, he tried to catch and kill the insects with his bare hands, then touched his face and neck with the same hands. Three hours later, the areas he touched swelled rapidly, with small blisters forming, accompanied by intense itching and pain.
He rushed to Jinan Skin Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital for treatment and was diagnosed with hidden-winged insect dermatitis. With treatment, his symptoms gradually subsided within about a week.
Mr. Li is not alone in this ordeal. According to reports, in recent times, netizens in various areas such as Sankongqiao Street in Tianqiao District, Yanzishan West Road in Lixia District, Jiangshuiquan Road, High-tech Zone, Harmony Square in Shizhong District, Xinglongshan Campus of Shandong University, Wenlvcheng, Ronghuicheng, Zhangqiu District, and Qihe County, have all shared encounters with hidden-winged insects or skin issues due to contact with these insects.
The head of the Dermatology Department at Jinan Skin Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital explained that hidden-winged insects do not actively bite humans, but their bodies contain a highly acidic venom called “Hidden-winged Toxin,” with a pH value between 1-2, known as the “flying sulfuric acid.” Upon skin contact, it can cause redness, pustules, and in severe cases, skin erosion and ulcers. Additionally, some severely affected patients may experience systemic symptoms like fever and headaches. If the venom accidentally enters the eyes, it can lead to keratitis or even more severe conditions.
Late summer and early autumn are the peak seasons for hidden-winged insects’ activity. In the past week, there has been a significant increase in the number of hidden-winged insect dermatitis cases at the hospital. Statistics show that the hospital has been seeing an average of two to three cases of hidden-winged insect dermatitis per day recently, with some patients exhibiting more severe symptoms.
Experts advise that when encountering insects at home, they should be wrapped in tape or tissue paper and thrown away to avoid direct contact. If an insect lands on the skin, it should not be slapped; instead, gently blow it away or use a soft object to sweep it off.