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/Gladiatorra 2d ago

I once came across a Reddit thread where a bunch of people were talking about fibers coming out of their skin and doctors never being able to help them. It was unsettling how convinced they all were, but didn't want to talk to anyone about it because they didn't want to be called crazy. They were so relieved to talk to others suffering the same thing.

I've always wondered if there was an actual condition. Thanks for the info!

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u/kllark_ashwood 1d ago

I also came across this before; it sounded like what happens to me when I have a really bad eczema flare-up. You itch the region, and it weeps fluids, making your skin sticky, so you pick up various fibers from day-to-day life, and they stick to you.

It really freaked me out as a kid and I might have fallen down that rabbit hole but luckily my grandmother had a really distinctly coloured blanket that shed a lot and made itself really known on my legs which made me catch what was actually happening.