Creator: Dr. Arun R Kaushik
Published: 2016-04-07T03:47:33-04:00

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Other than a psychiatric condition such as delusional parasitosis, are there any known real pathogens that can produce the sensation of loads of tiny insects residing and moving upon the skin that can spread or move throughout the body and causing intense itch? If so please provide names.

Answer

Dr. Arun R Kaushik

Critical Care Physician Geriatrics Microbiology

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Certain parasitic infection can also cause itching.

You can get an eosinophil count check to get the proper diagnosis.

For further doubts consult a microbiologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/microbiologist

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Please could you tell me the names of the infections that can cause those symptoms or sensations? My GP is more willing to have conduct tests. And what other tests are helpful?

Answer

Dr. Arun R Kaushik

Critical Care Physician Geriatrics Microbiology

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The infections which cause itching are usually hookworms, strongyloides, loiasis, dirofilaria, etc.

The study of absolute eosinophil count will help. Also the cause can be psychological.

So, consult your GP for these tests and help in diagnosis. If infective then treatment will cure your symptoms.

For further information consult a microbiologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/microbiologist

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Can one or more of these infections cause the feeling of parasites moving on the skin? Can any infection cause a pricking type of sensation from time to time, what feels like upon or within the brain? Thanks.

Answer

Dr. Arun R Kaushik

Critical Care Physician Geriatrics Microbiology

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Some infections will feel like there is something moving on the skin. They also have terms like larva migrans that is some larvae of parasites moving on the skin.

The pricky sensation can be due to the movement of the larvae which can cause an intense itch as it is usually described.

I suggest you to visit your GP, get the suggested tests done, so that the diagnosis can be reached. A mere allergic reaction can also present with pricking sensation - like to allergens.