What's Eating You? Mosquitoes (Culicidae).

Mosquito bites cause a variety of reactions ranging from pruritic papules to severe systemic hypersensitivity reactions. The salivary glands of mosquitoes have been found to contain more than 70 different allergens. Herein, we describe the pathophysiology and clinical appearance of mosquito bite reactions as well as proper management of this condition.

Aquatic Antagonists: Sea Cucumbers (Holothuroidea).

Sea cucumbers are sausage-shaped aquatic creatures living on the ocean floors across the world. They are considered a food delicacy in many countries but also are known to have many beneficial pharmaceutical properties; however, sea cucumbers also contain a dangerous component called holothurin, which has been shown to have a negative impact on the health of both humans and other wildlife. In humans, exposure to holothurin can cause a painful irritant dermatitis, irritation of the mucous membranes, potential blindness, and, if ingested, even possible death.

Psoralen-Induced Phytophotodermatitis.

Phytophotodermatitis is a cutaneous reaction that occurs after exposure to plant-derived furocoumarins and ultraviolet A light. Psoralen is the most common phototoxic furocoumarin and is present in varying levels within many different plant species. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of psoralen-induced phytophotodermatitis along with other clinical applications.