The house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae, as a causative agent of delusive dermatitis
Woodford, P.J.
Annals of Allergy 45(4): 248-250
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4738 PMID: 7425399 Document Number: 167527
The case history is presented of a middle-aged woman in Ohio who was convinced that her home was infested with 'bugs' that bit her. Routine investigations failed to reveal the presence of any such infestation. In view of the persistence of the woman's complaints, dust samples were finally taken from various parts of the house and its furniture and were found to contain over 200 examples of Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes/g dust. This was an exceptionally high number in view of the fact that the samples were taken in winter (December) when house-dust mite numbers are usually small. It is suggested that 'delusive' dermatitis in this and in other such instances may arise because the complainant develops sensitivity to these mites and that house-dust mite sensitivity should be considered in patients presenting with apparently delusive arthropod-produced dermatitis.