Authors’ Reply

Sir,

We would like to thank for their interest in our article.[1] The authors have pointed out that the paederus dermatitis cannot be considered as an insect bite reaction. We are aware that paederus dermatitis is a cutaneous reaction caused by irritant contact dermatitis by the fluid it exudes. In a broad sense, any reaction on the skin or any systemic manifestations following sting or contact with their fluid or body parts of insects are considered as insect bite reactions. In fact, most of the standard textbooks of dermatology mentions such skin or systemic manifestations under chapters (headings) such as parasitic infestations, insect bite, and stings.[2,3,4,5]

These textbooks also mention paederus dermatitis in above-mentioned chapters (headings). Hence, traditionally, paederus dermatitis has been included in the chapters related to insect bites, stings, and parasitic infestations.

Also, while explaining to the patients about this condition, there cannot be simpler and easily understandable word other than insect bite reaction.

So, considering all the above facts though paederus dermatitis is an irritant contact dermatitis caused by fluid secreted by an insect, in our opinion, thus, it can be considered under headings such as insect bite reactions.