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Imaginary lice?

5 replies

popperdoodles · 05/11/2013 14:17

I am getting very worried about my parents in law. About 3 months ago they caught headlice from my niece. They bought some stuff from the chemist and I explained to mil how to treat it. Seemed to be sorted but recently she is convinced they are back and that fil has them too. What she is describing though seems really odd. She says they are all over her body, in her clothes, up her nose and in her ears. Apparently fil has them too even in his pubic hair. I can't see anything in their hair but as much as I love them am not going to examine the rest of their bodies!

They have been to GP several time who can't find anything and has basically told them it is all in their imagination.
Mil particularly is getting very distressed by the whole thing and almost in tears over it. she is convinced the bugs are there and has even posted a sample to a museum as she thinks she must have a rare condition none has ever heard of!

What can I possibly do to help them? Gp has said they cannot have anymore lice treatment as they have used too much already and has essentially told them to not bother him with it again. Most probably it is all in their imagination but they are convinced and getting really distressed. Any ideas?

OP posts:
TapirbackFucker · 05/11/2013 19:33

No ideas, sorry, but didn't want your post to go unanswered.

I found this article here about it though - possibly shed some light on the subject?

There is always the possibility that they have scabies though, and haven't been treated for that?

LizaRose · 05/11/2013 19:50

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delusional_parasitosis

This?

popperdoodles · 05/11/2013 20:21

thank you I think that must be it. just wish I could find a way to help themSad Sad

OP posts:
bonzodoodah · 05/11/2013 21:22

sounds like morgolons too ... can't link as am on phone.

But DD had headlice and I got a bit paranoid too feeling itching on my head and much as I combed I never did find one. But I itched my head sore.
In the end I took antihistamines and used a shampoo for itchy scalps and the feeling went away. Maybe you could get them to try this?

trixymalixy · 05/11/2013 21:34

DH and I felt itchy for ages after the kids had lice, despite their being nothing there. I think I was scratching which was making me itchy and then a vicious cycle of itch scratch. I forced myself to stop scratching and it went away eventually.

Maybe try an antihistamine?

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