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Ever experience something crawling on your skin — or maybe even bite you — only when you go to swat it off , there ’s nothing actually there ? People with deceptive parasitosis experience this sensation forever , with often - disastrous effects .

Delusory parasitosis is the erroneous opinion that the body is overrun with invisible bugs , mites , worms or other parasites . It is also called Ekbom Syndrome . ( Note , this is separate fromrestless leg syndrome , although both are named after Karl Ekbom , the Swedish brain doctor who identify them . ) A related to syndrome that involves think biting character in the skin is called Morgellons disease .

freaky medical conditions, ants, hand

To the Ekborn sufferer , the infestation feels very real , and may top them to dig into their hide with fingernails , scissors , tweezer or knives to witness and pull out their inconspicuous tormentors . They also typically seek help from a plenty of professionals , first impose a worldwide practician and later search 2d opinions and beyond from specialists such as skin doctor , genial health professional person or veterinarians . finally , they may contact entomologists , public health departments or infective disease specialists to identify their “ parasite . ”

In reality , the trouble is most often triggered by prescription drug drugs ( specially chalk ) , psychiatrical disorder , dry skin , stress , medical condition such as dementia and drug and alcoholic drink contumely or withdrawal . Because the symptoms feel so real , treatment is difficult ; however , therapy with a psychologist or head-shrinker who specializes in the syndrome may serve alleviate the creeping sensations .

A caterpillar covered in parasitic wasp cocoons.

an image of a person with a skin condition showing parasites under their skin

a doctor talks to a patient

Close-up of an ants head.

Woman clutching her head in anguish.

Shot of a cheerful young man holding his son and ticking him while being seated on a couch at home.

a person holds a GLP-1 injector

an illustration of a group of sperm

an MRI scan of a brain

Pile of whole cucumbers

An illustration of a hand that transforms into a strand of DNA

X-ray image of the man�s neck and skull with a white and a black arrow pointing to areas of trapped air underneath the skin of his neck

An image comparing the relative sizes of our solar system�s known dwarf planets, including the newly discovered 2017 OF201

a view of a tomb with scaffolding on it

an illustration showing a large disk of material around a star

A small phallic stalagmite is encircled by a 500-year-old bracelet carved from shell with Maya-like imagery

A man with light skin and dark hair and beard leans back in a wooden boat, rowing with oars into the sea

A photo of Donald Trump in front of a poster for his Golden Dome plan