Browntail moth caterpillars (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) have tiny barbed hairs containing toxins. These poisonous hairs cause skin rashes when touched and may cause breathing problems if inhaled.

You can get a caterpillar rash just by touching the insect. The hair of the insect can pierce the skin and release irritants, toxins, or allergens that trigger a reaction. The rash may last for a ...