r/todayilearned • u/1998199888 • 2d ago

TIL about Delusional parasitosis, sometimes referred to as phantom infestation, is a psychological disorder in which an individual mistakenly believes their body is overrun by living or inanimate entities. Typical examples of these perceived invaders include bugs, worms, or microbes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delusional_parasitosis
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u/CupidStunt13 2d ago

Those with the condition often collect such "evidence" to present to medical professionals. Medical professionals call this the "matchbox sign", "Ziploc bag sign" or "specimen sign." The name stems from the fact that the evidence is typically stored in a small container, like a matchbox. The matchbox sign is present in five to eight out of every ten people with DP. Related is a "digital specimen sign", in which individuals bring collections of photographs to document their condition.

Interesting how the "matchbox sign" is such a common thing with people who have the condition. But it makes sense as they attempt to "prove" their condition to the skeptical doctors or other professionals who are attending to them. It also matches what I've read about people with the related condition of Morgellons, with people collecting random fibre samples or other tiny objects they believe came out of their skin.

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u/SynKnightly 2d ago

I used to know a lady who experienced this and it's was so sad and awkward when she'd show me little ziplock bags with nothing in them. She would talk about pulling these living fibers out of her skin in the oddest places....eyelids, ear lobes...as well as arms and legs and hands. She described pulling like bug parts out too. Like bug legs and pieces of wings. I never knew what to say when she would show me these empty bags she thought had evidence in them. I didn't want to make her feel alienated or judged but I also couldn't go along with it bc I didn't want to validate a delusion. It was tough to navigate that situation. I would just tell her I didn't know what to make of it bc I couldn't see them and she should talk to a doctor, hoping she'd find one who would treat her for mental illness. She associated the things in her skin with chem trails. It was sad. She was a public school teacher, I think. She knew the name of it as morgellans but to her it was some conspiracy....idk exactly to what end.