What type of agent might cause sensations in illusory parasitosis?

In the context of illusory parasitosis, sensations experienced by individuals, such as the feeling of insects crawling on or under the skin, are often attributed to physical or chemical agents. These agents can be substances that affect the nervous system or result in tactile hallucinations, which may lead to the perception of pests that are not actually present.

For example, exposure to certain chemicals, drugs, or toxins can result in symptoms that mimic the sensation of an infestation, triggering a false belief in the presence of parasites. Additionally, physical agents, such as insect bites or skin irritations, can exacerbate these sensations, leading individuals to believe they are experiencing an infestation.

Biological agents primarily refer to living organisms that cause infections or allergies, while mechanical agents might involve physical tools or devices. Environmental agents would include factors like temperature or humidity, but these are less directly related to the sensations associated with illusory parasitosis compared to the implications of physical or chemical agents. Thus, physical or chemical agents are most aligned with the mechanisms underlying these mistaken perceptions.