How to Talk to Your Doctor About Mites
In a world where non scabies mite victims are initially called delusional, it's extremely important to remain calm and focused at the doctor's office. First impressions are critical. There's no better time to establish yourself as a cool and rational kind of person.
Avoid crying at all costs: When a highly emotional person enters your space, it can feel like an assault. Think of how you feel when a neighbor's child won't stop crying. Although you may feel deep sympathy and great concern, the chaos may evoke feelings of anxiety or confusion, and that's no way to begin a productive conversation.
Avoid telling long stories: "A few months ago, my neighbor said she saw more birds sitting on my roof than usual, but I didn't think anything of it. I didn't start to worry until the chirping began waking me up in the morning. I told my husband there were probably nests up there, but he grew up in a wooded area with lots of birds, so he didn't seem to think it was a problem. Finally, I decided to borrow my neighbor's latter and take a look for myself. It was hot that day, and I was wearing a tank top with no sunscreen for protection. I probably should've worn a hat, but..."
Make a brief and highly focused timeline of events: According to a 2013 survey, the average doctor deals with 93 patients a week. With so many details and so much paperwork, he'll appreciate having a short summary that can be evaluated at a glance. Make a brief, itemized list of important developments in your case, including the chemical and organic protocols you've tried. Be sure to list treatments you've tried from other doctors. Your hypothetical timeline might look something like this:
Don't interrupt: When a professional begins to explain different treatment options, let him finish before injecting your own thoughts and opinions. He might rush you out the door if you interrupt so often that he can't deliver his protocol. He might even assume you don't value his input. Like all human beings, doctors want to feel as if you have faith and confidence in them.
Make a list of pressing questions: Your list of questions will serve two purposes. First, it will ensure that you won't forget to cover specific topics of concern. Second, it will prevent the doctor from ending your appointment before you feel ready to leave. If the doctor sees that you still have items remaining on your list, he'll wait for ALL of the questions to be asked. Be sure not to bombard him with too many questions at once. Don't fill an entire page and expect to have an hour long conversation. Your hypothetical list might look something like this:
Don't expect your doctor to have all of the answers: Remember that this could be your doctor's first non scabies mite case. For many years, it was reported that non scabies mites simply drop off after feeding. Thousands of anecdotal reports paint a different picture, but your doctor hasn't spoken to thousands of people afflicted by different mites. He can only go by what he sees in front of him. Some doctors will prescribe ivermectin and permethrin with no visible evidence of mites. Others may refer you to an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation.
Ask for a skin scraping: A skin scraping will help verify or rule out scabies, but it won't detect mites that have dropped off after feeding.
Ask for a candida test: In cases where non parasitic critters like springtails have developed a mysterious attraction to one person in the home, yeast and fungal infections are often to blame. Such cases are extremely difficult to verify in a doctor's office. You may have to collect samples from the home and send them to a lab for verification. Vetdna.com is the leader in PCR testing for animal owners, veterinarians, researchers and pest control companies. Learn how to collect samples for identification.
Ask for a blood sugar test: Diabetics are more attractive to parasites, including fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and mites. If you seem to be suffering more than anyone else in the home, consider testing your blood sugar.
Ask to be tested for Lyme disease: Ticks aren't the only tiny critters that carry Lyme. Mites and spiders can carry it, too. If you've experienced headaches, joint pain, brain fog or muscle aches, it's imperative to ask for a Lyme test.
Discuss a Backup Plan:
Benzyl benzoate is an old school treatment that may be used as an alternative topical agent to permethrin. Lower concentrations may be used in children (10% or 12.5%). A topical keratolytic cream may also be used to aid in the absorption of the topical permethrin or benzyl benzoate.
Avoid telling long stories: "A few months ago, my neighbor said she saw more birds sitting on my roof than usual, but I didn't think anything of it. I didn't start to worry until the chirping began waking me up in the morning. I told my husband there were probably nests up there, but he grew up in a wooded area with lots of birds, so he didn't seem to think it was a problem. Finally, I decided to borrow my neighbor's latter and take a look for myself. It was hot that day, and I was wearing a tank top with no sunscreen for protection. I probably should've worn a hat, but..."
Make a brief and highly focused timeline of events: According to a 2013 survey, the average doctor deals with 93 patients a week. With so many details and so much paperwork, he'll appreciate having a short summary that can be evaluated at a glance. Make a brief, itemized list of important developments in your case, including the chemical and organic protocols you've tried. Be sure to list treatments you've tried from other doctors. Your hypothetical timeline might look something like this:
- Early September: Removed two bird's nests from the gutter without gloves or head gear.
- Early September: Woke up to strange pricking sensations a few days later. Found bumps on my neck and shoulder.
- Mid September through October: Hired a pest control operator to spray three times over a four week period.
- Mid September through October: Applied tea tree oil to my body and scalp twice a day for a few weeks.
- Mid September through October: Vacuumed constantly. Washed bedding everyday.
- Early October: Made my first doctor's appointment.
- Early to Mid October: Took three does of ivermectin.
- Early to Mid October: Applied permethrin cream every three days for two weeks.
- Early November: Still waking up to bites in the middle of the night.
- Today: Feel as if there could be mites living in my nostrils and scalp.
Don't interrupt: When a professional begins to explain different treatment options, let him finish before injecting your own thoughts and opinions. He might rush you out the door if you interrupt so often that he can't deliver his protocol. He might even assume you don't value his input. Like all human beings, doctors want to feel as if you have faith and confidence in them.
Make a list of pressing questions: Your list of questions will serve two purposes. First, it will ensure that you won't forget to cover specific topics of concern. Second, it will prevent the doctor from ending your appointment before you feel ready to leave. If the doctor sees that you still have items remaining on your list, he'll wait for ALL of the questions to be asked. Be sure not to bombard him with too many questions at once. Don't fill an entire page and expect to have an hour long conversation. Your hypothetical list might look something like this:
- If I go on vacation for a few weeks, will the mites in my home die?
- Is ivermectin safe for my liver?
- Can I take supplements such as MSM along with ivermectin?
- How contagious am I? Should I worry about visiting my mom?
- What type of shampoo should I be using?
Don't expect your doctor to have all of the answers: Remember that this could be your doctor's first non scabies mite case. For many years, it was reported that non scabies mites simply drop off after feeding. Thousands of anecdotal reports paint a different picture, but your doctor hasn't spoken to thousands of people afflicted by different mites. He can only go by what he sees in front of him. Some doctors will prescribe ivermectin and permethrin with no visible evidence of mites. Others may refer you to an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation.
Ask for a skin scraping: A skin scraping will help verify or rule out scabies, but it won't detect mites that have dropped off after feeding.
Ask for a candida test: In cases where non parasitic critters like springtails have developed a mysterious attraction to one person in the home, yeast and fungal infections are often to blame. Such cases are extremely difficult to verify in a doctor's office. You may have to collect samples from the home and send them to a lab for verification. Vetdna.com is the leader in PCR testing for animal owners, veterinarians, researchers and pest control companies. Learn how to collect samples for identification.
Ask for a blood sugar test: Diabetics are more attractive to parasites, including fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and mites. If you seem to be suffering more than anyone else in the home, consider testing your blood sugar.
Ask to be tested for Lyme disease: Ticks aren't the only tiny critters that carry Lyme. Mites and spiders can carry it, too. If you've experienced headaches, joint pain, brain fog or muscle aches, it's imperative to ask for a Lyme test.
Discuss a Backup Plan:
Benzyl benzoate is an old school treatment that may be used as an alternative topical agent to permethrin. Lower concentrations may be used in children (10% or 12.5%). A topical keratolytic cream may also be used to aid in the absorption of the topical permethrin or benzyl benzoate.
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Home Treatment Checklist - 20 Things You Must Do if You Have Mites
What's Biting Me? Top Ten Mites that Can Irritate Humans - How to Identify Your Mite - Get a Formal Diagnosis
10 Ways to Get Mites Out of Skin - DIY Skin Recipes and Bathtime Rituals
Common Co-Infections Linked to Parasite Infestation and What to Do About Them
How to Talk to Your Doctor About Mites
How to Collect Mite Samples for Identification
Ten Ways to Deal with the Psychological Stress of a Mite Infestation
How to Get Mites Out of Ears, Eyes, Noses and Genitals
Prescriptions for Treating Mites in the Urinary Tract
Top 12 Oral Supplements Commonly Used to Battle Parasites
20 Ways to Trap Mites -Glue Boards Aren't Enough
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How to Get Springtails and Mold Mites Out of Dishwashers
Ten Rules to Avoid Transferring Mites when You Move to a New Home
The Importance of Choosing Clothing and Bedding Made of Synthetic Materials
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How to Treat Infested Cell Phones and Computers
10 Organic Ways to Kill Lawn and Garden Pests
What's Biting Me? Top Ten Mites that Can Irritate Humans - How to Identify Your Mite - Get a Formal Diagnosis
10 Ways to Get Mites Out of Skin - DIY Skin Recipes and Bathtime Rituals
Common Co-Infections Linked to Parasite Infestation and What to Do About Them
How to Talk to Your Doctor About Mites
How to Collect Mite Samples for Identification
Ten Ways to Deal with the Psychological Stress of a Mite Infestation
How to Get Mites Out of Ears, Eyes, Noses and Genitals
Prescriptions for Treating Mites in the Urinary Tract
Top 12 Oral Supplements Commonly Used to Battle Parasites
20 Ways to Trap Mites -Glue Boards Aren't Enough
How to Get Mites Out of Cars
How to Get Mites Out of Couch Crevices
How to Get Mites Out of Carpeting
How to Get Springtails and Mold Mites Out of Dishwashers
Ten Rules to Avoid Transferring Mites when You Move to a New Home
The Importance of Choosing Clothing and Bedding Made of Synthetic Materials
The Advantages of Treating with UV Light
How to Treat and Store Mite Infested Documents
How to Treat Infested Cell Phones and Computers
10 Organic Ways to Kill Lawn and Garden Pests
