Millipede Burns: An Unusual Cause of Purplish Toes

To the Editor: Millipedes do not have nearly as many feet as their name would suggest; most have fewer than 100. 1 They are not actually insects; they are a wormlike arthropod in the Diplopoda class.Generally these harmless animals can be a welcome resident in gardens because they break down decaying plant material and rejuvenate the soil. 1 However, they are less welcome in the home or underfoot because of what happens when these invertebrates are threatened or crushed. 2 Millipedes, which typically have at least 30 pairs of legs, have 2 defense mechanisms: (1) body coiling to withstand external pressure, and (2) secretion of fluids with insecticidal properties from specialized glands distributed along their body. 3These secretions, which are used by the millipede to defend against predators, contain organic compounds including benzoquinone.When these secretions come into contact with skin, pigmentary changes resembling a burn or necrosis and irritation to the skin (pain, burning, itching) occur. 4,5illipedes typically are found in tropical and temperate regions worldwide, such as the Amazon rainforest, Southeast Asia, tropical areas of Africa, forests, grasslands, and gardens in North America and Europe. 6They also are found in every US state as well as Puerto Rico. 1 Millipedes are nocturnal, favor dark places, and can make their way into residential areas, including homes,