A Guide To Psychodermatology for Patients & Clinicians
SKIN'S VOICE
delusional parasitosis
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Belief that one is infested by living organisms like lice, fleas, fungi, etc.
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Firm and fixed belief, despite evidence to the contrary
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May be a primary condition or secondary to:
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Psychiatric conditions (dementia, schizophrenia, depression)
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Underlying medical conditions
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Recreational drug use
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Prescribed medications
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What Is The Psychological Impact of Delusional Parasitosis?
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Causes significant distress, isolation, and can lead to depression
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​Patients have high rates of psychiatric and psychological comorbidities, including poor quality of life, anxiety, depression, and appearance-related concerns
Psychodermatological Approaches to Treatment of Delusional Parasitosis
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Treatment is challenging as patients usually reject psychiatric help due to stigma and their strong belief in physical infestation
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Managing DP requires a team approach involving dermatologists, psychiatrists, and parasitologists
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Severe cases may benefit from psychopharmacological medications
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Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is crucial for successful treatment​​
References
Reich, A., Kwiatkowska, D., & Pacan, P. (2019). Delusions of Parasitosis: An Update. Dermatology and therapy, 9(4), 631–638. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-019-00324-3
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Shah, R., Taylor, R. E., & Bewley, A. (2017). Exploring the Psychological Profile of Patients with Delusional Infestation. Acta dermato-venereologica, 97(1), 98–101. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-2423
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Campbell, E. H., Elston, D. M., Hawthorne, J. D., & Beckert, D. R. (2019). Diagnosis and management of delusional parasitosis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 80(5), 1428–1434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.12.012