Delusional Parasitosis

What is Delusional Parasitosis?

Delusional parasitosis is a psychiatric disorder, also called Ekbom Syndrome, wherein the afflicted person believes he or she is infested with parasites, even though no medical evidence exists of any parasites in or on the body. While commonly referred to as a skin condition, it is more accurately classified as a psychodermatological disorder, as the root of the problem lies in mental health rather than physical health.

Delusions of Parasitic Infestation Symptoms

People with delusional parasitosis often have the following symptoms:

• Irrational belief that parasites are present on, in, or under the skin
• Obsessive picking of the skin and examination of skin flakes, peeling a sore or scab or digging something out
• Harvesting and storing of skin specimens, such as flakes of skin, scabs, etc. for examination later
• Reporting of having felt the parasites move, bite, crawl, or sting
• Scratching, rubbing, or otherwise irritating affected areas of skin to alleviate discomfort
• Obsessive cleaning with harsh cleansers, often multiple times a day
• Frequent showers or baths
• Avoidance of social situations due to embarrassment

Diagnosing Delusional Parasitosis

Diagnosing delusional parasitosis can be very difficult, as the affected person insists that parasites are the problem. This results in both the patient and their doctor becoming exasperated, making it more difficult to diagnose the underlying mental health issue. In order to diagnose delusional parasitosis, the doctor must rule out the possibility of any physical skin condition, as well as any other form of parasitosis. Once these other causes are ruled out, then delusional parasitosis can be diagnosed.