Answer
Aug 18, 2021 - 02:16 PM
I receive many questions like this each year. What people think are insects biting them is usually a "skin or neurological condition" that mimics insect bites. An insect bite will also usually leave a mark or whelp. In most cases, nothing is present other than what is perceived to be an insect.
In 99% of the cases I have reviewed that are just like this, my opinion is that there are not any insects present, and the itching and paranoia that follow are related to one or a combination of the following factors:
1. A change in prescription medications . This change can be either an entirely new medicine or something as simple as a "brand" change by your pharmacy. In most cases, a brand or supplier change on a "generic" medication may not be revealed to you. I would ask your pharmacist about this if you think this is a possibility.
2. A "contraindication" or a side effect caused by the mixing of prescription meds , food, alcohol, etc. Basically, the side effect of this is that you get "bumps" or the sensation of what is known as "crawling skin syndrome".
3. An actual skin condition . Some conditions that involve bumps, blisters, etc can mimic those of what you think are insects. Petechia is a common skin condition that can resemble insect bites.
4. Formication or crawling skin. This is common with older and also younger people. This condition can lead to what is called "entomophobia".
Based on what you have given me, it is my opinion that whatever is bothering you is not insect related but MIGHT be related to one of the things I just mentioned. I am not a doctor, but am a Certified Entomologist and have been doing this for over 40 years.
My recommendations are to:
1. Not spray any pesticides inside your home or apply them to your body. As mentioned, I do not think this is an insect issue, so spraying could not only endanger your health, but it would solve nothing.
2. Research what I have mentioned. You have internet access since you have an email address. Research the terms I mentioned and see if you think they might apply to you.
3. If you are on prescription meds, research the ingredients, brand names, etc, and also the side effects . You might be surprised to find out that this is the underlying cause for everything.
4. Talk to your Doctor and find out if they are aware of any of the issues you have.
5. Use soothing skin lotions that DO NOT contain any essential oils. Essential oils can be very irritating to the skin, you can also be allergic to them and not know it. Don't assume that essential oils are safe just because it smells good and the label convinces you it cures all conditions. Most essential oils are worthless and many are contaminated with petroleum solvents and alcohol that can be irritating to the skin.
As I mentioned, I do not recommend spraying any pesticides or even any cleaners for this issue. There is not much I can recommend other than what I recommended above.
Do not think that I am not concerned about you, and go to another website that will sell you something or take your money with the promise of helping you. I would never tell you something that I don't honestly believe myself and would never mislead you. I am telling you all of this because hopefully, it will save you time, money, and worry.
I hope that you find a solution to this. Also, tell the people that think you are "crazy" that you have an expert "friend" on this who says you are not. Something is causing this. You just have to figure out what it is.
Good luck in finding your solution.
Ron
In 99% of the cases I have reviewed that are just like this, my opinion is that there are not any insects present, and the itching and paranoia that follow are related to one or a combination of the following factors:
1. A change in prescription medications . This change can be either an entirely new medicine or something as simple as a "brand" change by your pharmacy. In most cases, a brand or supplier change on a "generic" medication may not be revealed to you. I would ask your pharmacist about this if you think this is a possibility.
2. A "contraindication" or a side effect caused by the mixing of prescription meds , food, alcohol, etc. Basically, the side effect of this is that you get "bumps" or the sensation of what is known as "crawling skin syndrome".
3. An actual skin condition . Some conditions that involve bumps, blisters, etc can mimic those of what you think are insects. Petechia is a common skin condition that can resemble insect bites.
4. Formication or crawling skin. This is common with older and also younger people. This condition can lead to what is called "entomophobia".
Based on what you have given me, it is my opinion that whatever is bothering you is not insect related but MIGHT be related to one of the things I just mentioned. I am not a doctor, but am a Certified Entomologist and have been doing this for over 40 years.
My recommendations are to:
1. Not spray any pesticides inside your home or apply them to your body. As mentioned, I do not think this is an insect issue, so spraying could not only endanger your health, but it would solve nothing.
2. Research what I have mentioned. You have internet access since you have an email address. Research the terms I mentioned and see if you think they might apply to you.
3. If you are on prescription meds, research the ingredients, brand names, etc, and also the side effects . You might be surprised to find out that this is the underlying cause for everything.
4. Talk to your Doctor and find out if they are aware of any of the issues you have.
5. Use soothing skin lotions that DO NOT contain any essential oils. Essential oils can be very irritating to the skin, you can also be allergic to them and not know it. Don't assume that essential oils are safe just because it smells good and the label convinces you it cures all conditions. Most essential oils are worthless and many are contaminated with petroleum solvents and alcohol that can be irritating to the skin.
As I mentioned, I do not recommend spraying any pesticides or even any cleaners for this issue. There is not much I can recommend other than what I recommended above.
Do not think that I am not concerned about you, and go to another website that will sell you something or take your money with the promise of helping you. I would never tell you something that I don't honestly believe myself and would never mislead you. I am telling you all of this because hopefully, it will save you time, money, and worry.
I hope that you find a solution to this. Also, tell the people that think you are "crazy" that you have an expert "friend" on this who says you are not. Something is causing this. You just have to figure out what it is.
Good luck in finding your solution.
Ron
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