Grain dross B88.0

Worldwide infection with puffer mites (Pyemotes tritici; grain itch mite; straw itch mite) on contact with grain, bean plants or straw. Strawflower beds are known to be the starting point of small endemics.

Pyemotidae. Pyemotes species are 0,3 mm mites whose natural end hosts are storage pests, e.g. grain moths. Man is a false host, as in the case of trombidiosis.

Especially at the immediate contact points (arms, neck, back).

A few hours after exposure: severe pruritus, wheal formation, possible papulo-vesicular or purple transformation, decrease within 14 days General symptoms such as fever, tachycardia, lymph node enlargement, oedema, proteinuria, eosinophilia, asthma possible.

Since humans are false hosts, the mites remain on the human body for only a few hours to days. Therefore, the treatment is symptomatic. It is important to show the connection between the Pyemotes tritici mites and the skin symptoms. The sources of infection are to be avoided.

E.g. with Lotio alba aq. or glucocorticoid-containing emulsion such as 1% hydrocortisone emulsion R123.

Antihistamines if necessary.

1. Grob M, thorn K, lute beater S (1998) Grain dross. A small epidemic by Pyemotes species. dermatologist 49: 838-843
2. Uenotsuchi T et al (2000) Pyemotes dermatitis caused by indirect contact with husk rice. Br J Dermatol 143: 680-682