Scabies NYC: Separating Reality from Madness with Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld
For over four decades, Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld—board-certified, world-renowned dermatologist to CEOs, celebrities, and elite athletes, as well as a Senior Olympian representing the U.S. in the metric mile—has been the last stop for thousands of desperate patients convinced they have scabies. They come after bouncing from doctor to doctor, armed with self-diagnoses, online purchases of insecticides, and a fervent belief that their skin is under siege by microscopic invaders. The real problem? More often than not, it’s not their skin—it’s their mind.
The Delusion Epidemic: When It’s Not Scabies
Scabies is real, but so is delusion. In 40 years of practice, Dr. Rothfeld has encountered countless patients who insist they are infested, despite clear evidence to the contrary. The truth? Most of these individuals suffer from eczema, dermatitis, or another benign skin condition. Yet, they refuse to believe the answer could be so simple.
Enter the overuse of insecticides—harsh chemicals designed to kill parasites, now being misused by individuals desperate for relief. These neurotoxic substances, meant for short-term, targeted application, are being slathered and swallowed with abandon, leading to neurological damage and worsening of symptoms. The irony is tragic: in their attempt to kill imaginary mites, these patients are slowly poisoning themselves.
Understanding Scabies: Types and Treatment
For those truly afflicted, scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, a microscopic parasite that burrows under the skin, laying eggs and causing intense itching, particularly at night. The condition is highly contagious and spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, commonly among families, close-knit communities, and even shared bedding or clothing.
There are different types of scabies:
Classic Scabies: The most common form, characterized by itchy burrows in web spaces between fingers, wrists, elbows, and other warm areas.
Nodular Scabies: Persistent, itchy red nodules that linger even after treatment, often due to an exaggerated immune response.
Crusted (Norwegian) Scabies: A severe, hyperinfested form seen in immunocompromised individuals, with thick, scaly crusts teeming with mites.
The Rothfeld Protocol: One Visit, One Cure
For those with actual scabies, the treatment is simple: one visit, a proper regimen, and a follow-up. Treatment includes topical permethrin cream or oral ivermectin, both of which effectively eliminate mites when used correctly. Close contacts must also be treated to prevent reinfestation. Bedding and clothing should be washed in hot water and dried on high heat, and non-washable items should be sealed in plastic bags for several days.
Every single real scabies case Dr. Rothfeld has treated in over four decades has cleared up quickly. There’s no need for endless doctor visits, toxic self-medication, or frantic online research. But getting patients to accept that they don’t have scabies? That’s the real challenge.
The A-List Insanity: When Celebrity Calls
Dr. Rothfeld has fielded more bizarre calls than a psychic hotline. One unforgettable encounter involved an A-list movie star’s mother, who, along with her attorney, demanded an appointment. Her case, however, was textbook delusion. When Dr. Rothfeld politely declined to engage in the spectacle, the lawyer chuckled, "I don’t blame you."
Not all physicians have the courage to say no, but Dr. Rothfeld isn’t in the business of feeding paranoia. Instead, he diagnoses with precision, treats what’s real, and, when necessary, sends patients on their way—preferably to a psychiatrist rather than another dermatologist.
The Bottom Line: Not Every Itch is an Infestation
Dr. Rothfeld has turned away more scabies "patients" than he’s treated because the real disease is misinformation and paranoia. If you truly have scabies, he can cure you. If you don’t, he’ll tell you the truth—whether you want to hear it or not. And if you’re knee-deep in online insecticides, well, you might need a different kind of doctor altogether.
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| DR GARY JAYNE ROTHFELD |
