If you have a rash from a Tomcat on your face, and especially near your eyes, do not wait. This is a situation that requires immediate medical attention. This guide will explain the critical risks and what to do right now.
Why a Facial Rash is Different and More Dangerous
A Tomcat rash on the face, while still caused by the same Pederin toxin, carries significantly higher risks than a rash on other parts of your body.
Proximity to Mucous Membranes (Eyes, Nose, Mouth)
The skin on your face is generally thinner and more delicate than on your arms or legs. Crucially, the face is in close proximity to your mucous membranes – the sensitive linings of your eyes, nose, and mouth. The Pederin toxin can easily transfer to these highly vulnerable areas, leading to much more severe reactions than on regular skin.
The Most Serious Complication: “Nairobi Eye” (Paederus-Induced Conjunctivitis)
When the Pederin toxin comes into contact with the eye, it can cause a painful and potentially vision-threatening condition known as “Nairobi Eye” or Paederus-induced conjunctivitis.
What is Nairobi Eye?
Nairobi Eye is a severe chemical inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear tissue lining the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids) caused by direct contact with the Pederin toxin. It is not an infection in the traditional sense but a chemical burn.
Symptoms of Nairobi Eye You Cannot Ignore:
If you have gotten Tomcat toxin in your eye, you may experience one or more of these alarming symptoms:
- Intense redness of the white part of the eye.
- Significant swelling of the eyelids, making it difficult to open your eye.
- A painful gritty or burning sensation in the eye, as if something is stuck there.
- Watery or stringy discharge from the eye.
- Blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light.
The Risk of Permanent Damage
Without prompt and appropriate medical treatment, Nairobi Eye can lead to serious complications, including corneal ulcers (open sores on the surface of the eye) or permanent scarring of the cornea. These conditions can potentially cause long-term vision impairment.
The timeline and presentation for this specific eye complication differ significantly from the general symptoms and healing stages of a Tomcat rash on regular skin, which is why it’s treated as a distinct emergency.
Your Immediate Action Plan (While Seeking Medical Help)
These first-aid steps are crucial to take immediately while you are on your way to seek professional medical help.
Rule #1: DO NOT RUB YOUR EYES
This is the most vital rule. Rubbing your eyes, especially if you suspect contact with the Tomcat toxin, will only spread the irritating chemical further across your eye and eyelids, making the situation worse.
If Toxin Enters the Eye: Flush Immediately
If you know or suspect that the Tomcat toxin has entered your eye, flush it immediately and thoroughly with clean, lukewarm running water or a sterile saline solution for a continuous 10-15 minutes. Try to keep your eyelid open as much as possible to ensure the water rinses the entire surface of your eye.
For Skin Around the Eye: Wash Gently
Gently wash the skin around your eyes and your entire face with a mild, non-irritating soap and cool water. Use a soft touch and avoid scrubbing, which can further spread the toxin. Pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel.
These first-aid steps are critical for the current emergency. To ensure a situation like this does not happen again, we strongly recommend learning how to avoid Tomcat encounters.
How Doctors at Unicare Clinic Manage This Emergency
At Unicare Clinic, our experienced medical professionals understand the urgency and potential severity of a Tomcat rash on the face or near the eyes.
Urgent Examination and Diagnosis
Our doctors will conduct a thorough examination of your face and eyes to assess the extent of the rash and any involvement of the mucous membranes. We will take your history to understand how the exposure might have occurred.
Specialized Prescription Treatments
Treatment for a Tomcat rash on the face and especially the eyes requires specialized prescription treatments. For Paederus-induced conjunctivitis, this typically involves:
- Steroid eye drops: To aggressively reduce the severe inflammation in the eye.
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointments: To prevent secondary bacterial infections, which are a risk with corneal irritation.
- Topical steroid creams: Prescribed specifically for safe use on the delicate skin of the eyelids and face.
- Pain relievers: To manage discomfort.
Over-the-counter remedies are not sufficient for this condition. You need prescription-strength medication to prevent serious complications.
For a broader understanding of other local wildlife, please see our main guide to all insects in Bali.
This Is A Medical Emergency. Act Now.
Call Our 24/7 Hotline for Immediate Assistance: +62 822‑9829‑8911
For a full overview of our specialized treatment process and to book online, please visit our dedicated treatment page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Facial Rashes
I already washed my eye. Am I safe now?
No. Flushing is a critical first-aid step, but it doesn’t guarantee all toxin is removed and cannot treat inflammation that has already started. You must still see a doctor to get prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent complications.
What kind of doctor should I see? A general doctor or an eye specialist?
Ideally, an OphthaIdeally (eye specialist). However, in an emergency situation in Bali, go immediately to a high-quality clinic or emergency room. Experienced general practitioners at Unicare Clinic are trained to provide critical initial treatment and can refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Will I go blind from this?
Permanent vision loss is very rare, but only if you get prompt and proper medical treatment. If left untreated, severe inflammation can cause corneal ulcers or scarring, which can potentially impact vision. This is why we stress it is an emergency.
Can I use over-the-counter eye drops like Rohto or Visine?
Absolutely not. Those OTC eye drops are for mild irritation or dryness. They do not contain the necessary anti-inflammatory (corticosteroid) ingredients required to fight the effects of the Pederin toxin. Using them will only delay proper treatment and potentially worsen the condition.
How long will my eye be swollen and red?
With the correct prescription treatment, severe swelling and redness typically begin to improve significantly within 2-4 days. However, full recovery can take one to two weeks, depending on the severity of the initial exposure.
Can I wear my contact lenses?
No. You must not wear contact lenses until a doctor has confirmed your eye is completely healed. Wearing a lens can trap particles, worsen irritation, and dramatically increase the risk of a severe infection.
The rash is on my eyelid, but my eye itself feels fine. Do I still need to see a doctor?
Yes. You were lucky the toxin did not enter the eye directly. However, this is still a high-risk situation as the toxin can easily migrate into the eye when you sweat, shower, or inadvertently touch it. You must see a doctor to get a prescription cream that is specifically safe for use on the delicate eyelid area.
How is the treatment for the eye different from the skin on my arm?
It is completely different. Skin is treated with standard creams or ointments. The eye is treated with sterile, ophthalmic-grade eye drops and ointments specifically formulated to be safe and non-irritating for sensitive eye tissues.
What if my child gets the toxin near their eye?
This is a top-level emergency. A child’s tendency to rub their eyes increases the risk dramatically. Take them to a doctor or emergency room immediately without any delay.
How can I prevent this specific situation from happening?
The key is to never touch your face if you know you have touched an insect, or the rash itself. If a bug lands on your face, blow it off. If you have a rash elsewhere on your body, be extremely diligent about washing your hands after applying cream and before touching your face.
