[Description of an outbreak of lepidopterism (dermatitis associated with contact with moths) among sailors in Salvador, State of Bahia].

An occurrence of pruritic papular dermatitis among the whole crew of a Filipino commercial ship in Salvador, State of Bahia, was associated with contact with Hylesia moths. This unusual type of dermatitis is caused by the bristles (flechettes) on the moths' bodies. Reporting on such cases serves to warn about possible similar situations.