There is a dermatitis which can be caused by chicken mites, of which there
are several types ( eg. red chicken mites, etc.) The eruption can occur
with the burrowing mites of any species, or even with grain dust and
other non animal mites. It is the same type of mite which causes "mange
dermatitis" in mammals. It is very likely to occur in farm workers
who stir up the dust in chicken coops.
The appearance is quite varied, and is sometimes varicelliform. One
patient came to me and said she had chicken pox, and indeed she did,
although there was no virus involved. One french rendition of chicken pox
is "la picotte", this may related to your patient's term, or it may be a
regional dialect.
The mites can't live too long off their natural host, so it is usually
self-limited.
Mark Joyce, M.D. Tel:(4O3)239-3231
47 Crowfoot Way NW Fax:(4O3)239-3234
Calgary Alberta T3L 1X5 Canada Email:[log in to unmask]
On Sun, 1 Dec 1996, Dr P Bridgwood wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I've a patient who tells me her recent rash was down to
> Chicken Dust... a few people at the factory had it and it's
> been put down to "Pymortes" (that's how she spells it anyway).
>
> I haven't been able to find out what this is... probably spelt
> differently.. any ideas ??? ....mites ???
>
> Pete
>
>
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