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You are here: Experts > Science > Insects/Spiders > Entomology (Study of Bugs) > ID Mysterious bug(s)
Expert: Walter Hintz - 11/1/2009
Question
QUESTION: Hi Professor Hintz,
Since I returned from my vacations first to Lake Louise in Canada and then Puerto Rico, I have been bitten by some sort of bugs that were extremely tiny, about the sand size and look like sands to me. They seem to be able to jump or fly. I have to use lint roller to catch them while feeling them latch on me. They multiply so fast that I would say my home is infestated.
Sometime I felt my skin was irritated and sometime felt bitten with itchiness. I even found some areas of my skin in pain with a few tiny holes. I wonder if the insect larvae chew on my skin.
I have quite a few images through microscope and saved. I am wondering if I can send you those images for you to ID them. I have no idea what I am dealing with and am very afraid. Please help! Many thanks... Pamela
ANSWER: Hi pamela;
First of all keep in mind that the problem of biting insects can be solved so there is no reason to be afraid. Also insect bites are not fatal. And insect larvae do not chew on your skin. You can send me any materials you have but remember that my giving a name to any insects does not solve your problem because it is a medical problem and not a bug problem. Skin problems must be examined by a dermatologist. So talk to a doctor and send me anything you wish to
walter hintz
29675 arthur ave
wickliffe, ohio 44092
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Professor Hintz,
Thank you so much for your advice. I have set up an appointment with a dermatologist. It is very kind of you to be willing to review the pictures for me. I used digital microscope to enlarge and capture the images of the insects in the computer. If you don't mind giving me your email address, I would rather send you the images through email attachments. But, if you'd like me to send the pictures though mail I certainly will.
Because of you and what you said, I have felt much better. I feel not so alone dealing with the bugs and not so afraid any more. Thanks again. Pamela
ANSWER: My email address is waltjh@sbcglobal.net
Please let me know what the doctor says. I am thinking this may be an allergic reaction
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Professor Chintz, I have attached seven images in the email I sent to you. I hope you have received the email no problem. If you did not see the email or the images, please let me know. I will re-sent it. Thank you so much. Pamela
Answer
I have been examining the photos carefully and I cannot determine what is involved here. With one photo (405) I see obvious legs that indicate an insect or spider. I cannot see how many legs but I am leaning towards spiderlings (newly hatched spiders) that have enveloped themselves in lint and fuzz. They other photos tell me nothing. If these are spiders then I do not see a connection between them and your skin problem as spiders his small cannot bite. Take the photos to the dermatologist when you go.
Also when you see him ask about Morgellons disease and if it is legimate. I have seen literature about skin problems and this dosease.
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