ABSTRACT
This chapter presents information on the medical importance, geographic distribution, biological aspects, and recommended procedures for treatment of millipedes. Millipedes, sometimes called thousand leggers, are elongate, wormlike arthropods (see box) that are commonly found in soft, decomposing plant matter. Millipedes are commonly found under rocks, in soil, and in leaf litter in moist deciduous forests. They are mostly nocturnal in habit and may be active year-round; however, millipedes are more commonly encountered during the wet season. Millipedes in tropical regions are much larger than those found in more northern areas. Exposed skin should be washed with copious amounts of water as soon as possible. Antibiotics are indicated if secondary infection is suspected. Eye exposure is very painful and requires thorough irrigation with warm water as soon as possible. An ophthalmologist should be consulted for current treatment recommendations.
