The case of a peritoneal dialysis patient whose diagnosis of scabies was delayed owing to parasite delusion

Abstract

We had a peritoneal dialysis patient who suffered from itching. He was diagnosed as having parasite delusion because of his speech and his behavior, but after about 5 months' ineffective treatment for delusion, scabies was diagnosed by microscopical examination of the eruption. In this case treatment for scabies led to the disappearance of both the itching and the parasite delusion. It is important to first detect parasites and eggs and then administer the proper drugs.