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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Scabies, Parasites? What is it?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Scabies, Parasites? What is it?
by Friendly Lifeline, Sep 10, 2003 12:00AM
My 40 year old friend has been having numerous problems over the past year and a half that we consider may be associated with some sort of parasite. She is now in desparate need of help, but we do not know where to turn. Initially they appeared to be some sort of dust mites on her clothing. She was constantly vacuuming, washing, ironing her clothing and carpeting. The dust or particles continued to appear on her clothing at work - she was constantly wiping them off only to have them reappear within minutes. They then appeared on her body, her hair, ears, eyes, around her fingernails. When she tried to swat them off, they would apparently fly back at her. I've seen them. She was continuously wiping off her desk, computer and everything around her. We thought they might be parasites or scabies, so we tried Not Nice to Lice and the Peppermint solution for spraying on her furniture and other areas. She washed her clothes in Borax, but none of this helped the situation. She has bought plastic coverings for her pillows, mattress and has now gotten rid of all of her furniture and sleeps on a plastic mattress. She has had sleepless nights for the past year and a half - perhaps getting 2 hours rest per night. She has been to 2 doctors who have both prescribed anti-depression medication for her - they have completely disregarded any of the other symptoms she has had. Her feet and hands are swelling, she is losing her hearing and sight. She, of course, is depressed and has tried tons of vitamin supplements suggested by nuitritionists. She has modified, eliminated a lot of food - wheat/breads, eggs, fruit, etc. etc. She is at a crisis point and feels that she does not want to go on living. She has spent thousands of dollars on air filters, etc.
She has withdrawn from her family and friends, the majority of whom do not understand her condition and make fun of her predicament. She has wild mood swings and doesn't understand how she could be so nice one minute and don't care at all about anyone the next. She does suffer from PMS and thought initially that this was associated, however, these swings are happening constantly. She is thinking very negative thoughts, but is trying to keep functioning.
There must be help out there somewhere, because we need it now. She just told me today that because she has been picking at her face she has sores and scares of over it. She feels that these parasites or a combination of whatever are in her skin and are now attacking her brain and she has difficultly making even the simplest decisions.
She has only revealed to me the extent of her troubles and I feel obligated to reach out to you or to someone for help. Please lead us in the right direction - it may mean flying overseas for treatment - we're prepared to do so. We're near the end of hope!
She has withdrawn from her family and friends, the majority of whom do not understand her condition and make fun of her predicament. She has wild mood swings and doesn't understand how she could be so nice one minute and don't care at all about anyone the next. She does suffer from PMS and thought initially that this was associated, however, these swings are happening constantly. She is thinking very negative thoughts, but is trying to keep functioning.
There must be help out there somewhere, because we need it now. She just told me today that because she has been picking at her face she has sores and scares of over it. She feels that these parasites or a combination of whatever are in her skin and are now attacking her brain and she has difficultly making even the simplest decisions.
She has only revealed to me the extent of her troubles and I feel obligated to reach out to you or to someone for help. Please lead us in the right direction - it may mean flying overseas for treatment - we're prepared to do so. We're near the end of hope!
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Sep 10, 2003 12:00AM
, Sep 10, 2003 12:00AM
I am sorry to hear the extent to which your freind is suffering. Nevertheless, such symptoms are not the result of parasites. I know of no parasites which could even theoretically cause such symptoms.
You will no doubt be disappointed to hear me say this. Perhaps you will consider me yet another doctor who is "disregarding" her symptoms and reports. It remains true, jowever, that parasites do not cause such symptoms.
I strongly suspect that your freind's concerns are delusional. Delusions are serious matters, which produce tremendous suffering. patients who have delusions of parasitosis, a well-recognized condition nearly every dermatologist sees in practice, are very resistant to the idea that the bugs are not real. (If you think they are, catch one and show it to an entomologist, or insect-expert.)
If you wanrt to do your freind a favor, have her see and accept treatment from a psychiatrist who will prescribe Orap, or another psychoactive drug. You could be salvaging her life by successfully doing this.
Good luck.
Dr. Rockoff
You will no doubt be disappointed to hear me say this. Perhaps you will consider me yet another doctor who is "disregarding" her symptoms and reports. It remains true, jowever, that parasites do not cause such symptoms.
I strongly suspect that your freind's concerns are delusional. Delusions are serious matters, which produce tremendous suffering. patients who have delusions of parasitosis, a well-recognized condition nearly every dermatologist sees in practice, are very resistant to the idea that the bugs are not real. (If you think they are, catch one and show it to an entomologist, or insect-expert.)
If you wanrt to do your freind a favor, have her see and accept treatment from a psychiatrist who will prescribe Orap, or another psychoactive drug. You could be salvaging her life by successfully doing this.
Good luck.
Dr. Rockoff
http://www.randburkey.netfirms.com
***@****
My symptoms were crawling sensation, biting, stinging, chronic fatigue, lymph nodes enlarged, dizzy spells, vision problems, heart problems, blood pressure went up very high, now under antibiotic treatment I am regulated and finally ......
I want to tell you that there is hope and I am getting well.
www.thecomfortzone.org. ***@**** please email me anytime.
I'm sure hoping you will not delete my post AGAIN so people can receive the help and treatment they deserve. I'm wondering if you caught this nasty disease would you in fact not be more compassionate. Give the benefit of the doubt, test these people before they have irreversible brain damage.!!!