ABSTRACT
Introduction: Delusional parasitosis (DP) is a condition in which a person has the unshakeable and mistaken belief of being infested with parasites.
Patients and Methods: All patients with DP seen by the Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital were reviewed. The case histories of 8 Chinese patients are discussed. Results: The patients with DP were predominantly women above 50 years of age, with medical co-morbidities and presented with a variety of symptoms and signs. The patients were prescribed various antipsychotics including the atypical antipsychotics. Response was variable, and the patients often defaulted follow-up. An approach to the management of DP is proposed together with a review of the literature.Delusional parasitosis (DP), or delusional infestation, is a condition in which a person has the unshakeable and mistaken belief of being infested with parasites. Originally described in 1894, it has been previously referred to as dermatophobia, parasitophobic neurodermatitis, parasitophobia or entomorphobia.
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