Others describe small specks that may jump or fly. Others describe biting or burrowing into their skin, causing severe itching. Sufferers of delusory parasitosis often describe in great detail, the characteristics and behaviors of the infesting "bugs." Some observe microscopic bugs that frequently change color or may disappear. Common Symptoms of Delusory ParasitosisĬommon sample received by Ohio State University diagnostic clinic from a client suspected of suffering delusory parasitosis. Illusions and delusions may be transferred to other family members or even to others in the workplace. Sufferers of delusory parasitosis are convinced that bites or infestations actually exist and will often go to dangerous lengths to eliminate the imagined infestation. Entomophobia is a persistent, irrational fear and compelling need to avoid insects, spiders and mites, when no arthropod or bite is present. These perceptions are quickly overcome when an alternate explanation is presented and acknowledged. In other cases, static electric charges, allergenic dust, cleaner residues, even clothing can cause sensations of bites or something crawling on the skin. Periodically, everyone suffers from illusory parasitosis, or symptoms perceived to be caused by insects or another arthropod, when they watch insect or spider horror movies or see mites, ticks or fleas on television. Even fewer are capable of living in human bodies. In the United States, there are only a few arthropods that bite humans and are capable of producing discernible skin reactions.