HEALTH officials are warning people to beware of coming into contact with the brown-tail moth caterpillar, which is having a breeding boom because of the warm weather.

NHS Bournemouth and Poole says the hairs of the caterpillar break off easily and can cause allergic reactions to skin.

They may also cause headaches and, more rarely, breathing difficulties.

The caterpillars, which are brown, hairy and about 3cm long, are usually found close to beaches where they feed on a variety of plants, including brambles.

The trust says numbers are far greater than usual, which means it can be harder to avoid coming into contact with the hairs.

Anyone concerned they might suffer a reaction should take care to avoid areas of the beach where there are significant numbers of caterpillars.

People should avoid handling the caterpillars, and wash their hands with plenty of soap and water if they do come into contact with them.

In some cases exposure to the hairs can cause an irritating rash, which will normally clear in two to three days and can be soothed using calamine lotion or anti- histamine tablets.

If the rash persists then people should go to their pharmacist for further advice.

Last summer, the Daily Echo reported that some people were experiencing a mysterious rash, which they blamed on caterpillars along Bournemouth seafront.