The matchbox sign, also referred to as the Ziploc bag sign or the specimen sign, is a psychiatric

medical sign Signs and symptoms are the observed or detectable signs, and experienced symptoms of an illness, injury, or condition. A sign for example may be a higher or lower temperature than normal, raised or lowered blood pressure or an abnormality showi ...

in which a patient arrives at a doctor's office with items extracted from the skin; these items are intended to serve as proof of a parasitic infestation, and are typically stored in a small container such as a

matchbox Phillumeny (also known as phillumenism) is the hobby of collecting different match-related items: matchboxes, matchbox labels, matchbooks, matchcovers, matchsafes, etc. Matchbox A matchbox is a box made of cardboard or thin wood and designe ...

. 50–80% of patients with delusional parasitosis present with this sign. People with delusional parasitosis can damage their skin by attempting to remove imaginary parasites. These items may include scabs and skin particles, dust and dirt, and plant or animal fibers, and may be accompanied by photographs. Laboratory analysis fails to find proof of parasitic infestation.

History

The matchbox was described by Lyell (1983) as the most common container used to present specimens to the physician. Shelomi (2013) published a study of what he called scientific misconduct when a 2004 article in the ''Journal of the New York Entomological Society'' included what he says is photo manipulation of a matchbox specimen to support the claim that individuals with delusional parasitosis are infested with

collembola Springtails (Collembola) form the largest of the three lineages of modern hexapods that are no longer considered insects (the other two are the Protura and Diplura). Although the three orders are sometimes grouped together in a class called Ento ...

References

{{Delusion Medical signs Symptoms and signs of mental disorders Psychosis Delusional parasitosis

History

See also

References