In illusory parasitosis, what causes the skin sensations?

Illusory parasitosis is a psychological condition where an individual believes they are infested with parasites, despite the absence of any actual infestation. The skin sensations experienced in this condition are primarily caused by physical or chemical agents that may lead to a perception of crawling, biting, or stinging on the skin. These sensations can arise from various sources, such as environmental irritants, allergic reactions, or even anxiety-related responses.

Since illusory parasitosis is fundamentally a psychological issue rather than a physical infestation, it's important to recognize that the true cause of the symptoms lies in the individual's perception and interpretation of sensations, often triggered by these external agents. Thus, the correct answer highlights the underlying concept that the sensations are not caused by actual parasites but by the psychological interpretation of physical or chemical stimuli.