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For the last few months I've been dealing with something completely microscopic in size infestating my home which is entering from outdoors and also t...
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Seeking Advice & Help #876418
Asked July 08, 2024, 6:49 PM EDT
For the last few months I've been dealing with something completely microscopic in size infestating my home which is entering from outdoors and also through water system. The microscopic organism is entering my body, I highly suspect dust mites but I'm not certain because it's not their typical behavior but it's possible . The infestation is both indoor and outdoor with my garage having a very heavy presence along with front and back yard. Inside my home the infestation has a heavy presence in the bathroom kitchen bedroom & inside mattress.
When going in my head area I have sudden headaches that are severe occumpanied with neck soreness in the back of head area. Also When entering chest area there is a tearing & ripping sensation sometimes accompanied by a pop & feels like blood running down. After several emergency room visits I've yet to receive the proper treatment. What can be done for the infestation indoor & outdoor & also my health? I'm in Jackson Ms. My health is declining my life is on the line
County Ohio
Expert Response
Trevor,
Your desperate plea has been forwarded to me to see if I can provide some assistance. From what you have provided, I can't identify any known insect, mite or other biological agent that would be causing the symptoms that you describe in the locations that you describe. I have been an entomologist diagnostician for over 40 years and have abundant experience with all the insects and mites that are known to bite or infest humans and domestic animals. My undergraduate training also included parasitology, so I'm also familiar with the various protozoa, roundworms (nematodes), tapeworms, flukes, etc., that infest humans. I have taught forensic entomology here at Ohio State.
If you were here in Ohio, I would refer you first to a dermatologist colleague that would perform a thorough evaluation to ensure that you are not dealing with one of the skin diseases that can manifest the symptoms you describe. If nothing is detected, you may then need a referral to a neurologist for evaluation of one of the less common neural issues. Some of these nerve issues can manifest is pin pricks (these can be perceived as bites), something crawling under the skin, etc. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get a referral to be evaluated by one of these specialists.
Finally, please consider that what you are experiencing may be the result of a slowly progressing form of obsessive-compulsory disorder. Some people can have a "trigger" experience where they were actually attacked by an insect or mite and the experience has sensitized them to obsess over anything that can be perceived as a bite or something crawling on them. Static electric charges, itchy clothing, even air blowing across the skin and moving arm or leg hair can be misinterpreted as something else. This type of syndrome can continue to become worse over time and usually will not begin to subside without proper medical care that often involves the use of mild sedatives or similar meds.
In a fair number of cases, I have found that clients that are trying to end a chemical dependency can also suffer many of the symptoms that you describe. Understand, I'm not stating that this is involved with your case, but it has happened.
In summary, I would not recommend that you go to emergency rooms or urgent care facilities as they will not be prepared to properly evaluate your symptoms. You need to find a general care physician who can refer you to a dermatologist for a complete evaluation, possibly a neurologist, and even a psychologist (not a psychiatrist who does not have medical training!). Stay with your quest as you will eventually find the true causes of your symptoms.
Your desperate plea has been forwarded to me to see if I can provide some assistance. From what you have provided, I can't identify any known insect, mite or other biological agent that would be causing the symptoms that you describe in the locations that you describe. I have been an entomologist diagnostician for over 40 years and have abundant experience with all the insects and mites that are known to bite or infest humans and domestic animals. My undergraduate training also included parasitology, so I'm also familiar with the various protozoa, roundworms (nematodes), tapeworms, flukes, etc., that infest humans. I have taught forensic entomology here at Ohio State.
If you were here in Ohio, I would refer you first to a dermatologist colleague that would perform a thorough evaluation to ensure that you are not dealing with one of the skin diseases that can manifest the symptoms you describe. If nothing is detected, you may then need a referral to a neurologist for evaluation of one of the less common neural issues. Some of these nerve issues can manifest is pin pricks (these can be perceived as bites), something crawling under the skin, etc. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get a referral to be evaluated by one of these specialists.
Finally, please consider that what you are experiencing may be the result of a slowly progressing form of obsessive-compulsory disorder. Some people can have a "trigger" experience where they were actually attacked by an insect or mite and the experience has sensitized them to obsess over anything that can be perceived as a bite or something crawling on them. Static electric charges, itchy clothing, even air blowing across the skin and moving arm or leg hair can be misinterpreted as something else. This type of syndrome can continue to become worse over time and usually will not begin to subside without proper medical care that often involves the use of mild sedatives or similar meds.
In a fair number of cases, I have found that clients that are trying to end a chemical dependency can also suffer many of the symptoms that you describe. Understand, I'm not stating that this is involved with your case, but it has happened.
In summary, I would not recommend that you go to emergency rooms or urgent care facilities as they will not be prepared to properly evaluate your symptoms. You need to find a general care physician who can refer you to a dermatologist for a complete evaluation, possibly a neurologist, and even a psychologist (not a psychiatrist who does not have medical training!). Stay with your quest as you will eventually find the true causes of your symptoms.
