skin disorders
Delusional Parasitosis
Introduction
Delusional parasitosis is a mistaken belief that parasites have infested the body. People with delusional parasitosis have an unshakable, false belief that they are infested with insects, worms, mites, lice, fleas, or other organisms. Some people also believe the parasites have infested their home, surroundings, and clothing. They often provide vivid descriptions of how the organisms enter their bodies via their skin and other body openings and move around. The sensations of itching, crawling, and irritation are very real to them. In an effort to rid themselves of these sensations, people may scratch, pick at, or mutilate their skin enough to cause sores or ulcers. Such sores then sometimes become infected. Other people apply various chemicals and/or disinfectants to their skin. Such chemicals may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. People bring samples of hair, skin, and debris, such as dried scabs, dust, and lint, to their doctor to prove the infestation is real. People may put the samples on a microscope slide or carry them in a container. Delusional parasitosis most often affects people over 50 and women but is very rare. Some people with delusional parasitosis may have a disorder that causes them to excessively worry about their health ( Illness Anxiety Disorder , formerly known as hypochondriasis), or they may have become aware of some parasitic disorder (for example, 