Fairly new to this phenomena after mysterious bites and bloodspots, but no confirmed infestation of bugs yet. Assuming the possibility of BBs being the culprit I have spent time researching this site. After reading about Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth I purchased some and began to use it recently. Now something different is occurring and I am wondering if the cause could be due to overuse of DE.
Prior to DE, I began noticing an itching on my back and after scratching I noticed what looked like a few mosquito bites close together with a doted center. After this happened a few times I began to question what else it could be if bites and ended up at this site. I then purchased the Food Grade DE and began to dust it around with a puffer around and under my bed, along the floor boards, on the furniture etc. Then after another series of bites and bloodstains I got quite disturbed and went on a 'mission' indiscriminately spraying the dust even on part of my mattress cover (angry emotion can lead to rash action).
Now the interesting part of all this and I am wondering if anyone knows of a study regarding what I have to say.
Since all this dusting a new development has taken place. I am finding little pin prick skin abrasions mostly on my hands, a few on my feet and feeling an overall crawly/itchy irritation of my skin.
I had been wondering what people meant about the non raised little red pin pricks appearing on their skin and crawling sensations they were experiencing over their bodies and am now questioning for myself if this is not due to an over application of DE and it's skin drying effects.
Since the product is itself a 'Desiccant' and abrasive to the insects, I am wondering what affect it has on contact with human skin tissue. Can it actually cause little skin abrasions?
The little red abrasions I am now getting are itchy and irritating but not similar to what I first perceived to be bites.
Is anyone aware of research done on the use of DE in the home and the potential skin irritating results that can follow.
After reading numerous posts of day long prickly sensations by others and now experiencing them myself. I am seriously thinking that it may possibly be the result of the skin drying and irritating effects from DE on surfaces in the home or particulates in the air adhering to the skin.
I have googled DE and it is definitely a skin irritant. I wonder now if we have considered how 'much' of an irritant it can actually be. Could the DE be causing what we are experiencing. Are these new sensations from different little bites or the spreading about of this product. I would love to know if anyone knows of a proper study of this issue, especially since there is so much speculation regarding bites as a non definitive proof of BB's. I looked but could not find one. This is a very helpful site ... thanks to all who contribute to it.