Morgellons disease – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment. What is Morgellons Disease?

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Morgellon disease is a delusional disorder that leads to the belief that parasites or foreign bodies move in or out of our skin. Morgellon’s disease is a little-known disease that is often associated with non-specific skin, nervous, and psychiatric symptoms. Sometimes referred to as “morgellonka”. People with this disorder appear to be at a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism.

What is Morgellons disease?

The term Morgellons was coined in 1674 by Sir Thomas Browne in his monograph entitled “De vermiculis capillaribus infantium”. The affected child had eczema of hairline protrusions from his back which, upon onset, relieved the child of “coughing and convulsions”. From the first description, the term Morgellons’ disease was forgotten. It wasn’t until 2002 that the mother of a child with a similar skin condition revived the term and founded the Morgellons Research Foundation.

Morgellon’s disease is characterized by the presence of multicolored fibers that grow out of the skin and a feeling of biting or crawling under the skin. Sometimes referred to as “morgellonka”.

For many decades, Morgellons’ disease was thought to be related to the so-called Parasitic insanity (delusional parasitosis), a mental disorder in which patients mistakenly believe that they have fallen victim to skin parasites. However, researchers at the Morgellons Research Foundation have made an attempt to distinguish Morgellons disease from delusional parasitosis. They conclude that more information is needed to formally define this disease.

See also: Tactile hallucinosis, a disease of single women

Morgellons disease – symptoms

The most characteristic symptom of people with Morgellon disease is the sensation of fibers or threads sticking out of the skin, which often appear to be worms to those affected. Affected individuals may present the physician to a collection of these fibers for examination, or they may actively nibble at these lesions with tweezers.

Most patients have painful skin ulcers that they believe are caused by the action of the fibers but are actually the result of ripping.

In addition, there is a high degree of association between Morgellon’s disease and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression.

In addition to skin symptoms, sick people often have symptoms associated with different body systems.

1. Nervous system: headache, fatigue, visual disturbances, tinnitus (ringing sensation in the ears), short-term memory deficits and emotional lability (instability).
2. Cardiovascular system: intolerance to changes in blood pressure, irregular heart rate and high heart rate.
3. Respiratory: varying degrees of cough and mild dyspnoea with no medically justified explanation.
4. Musculoskeletal system: extensive musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

What causes Morgellons disease?

There has been much debate about the nature of Morgellon’s disease, whether it is contagious, environmental or psychiatric. Researchers believe there is a link between the disease and Lyme disease, and recently the Morgellons Research Foundation identified a link with 3 other bacterial pathogens: Chlamydophila pneumonia, Babesia species, and Borrelia species. The number of cases associated with infection is small, and there is no evidence that these bacteria directly cause Morgellons’ disease. A study organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA found that the harvested fibers came mainly from fabrics such as cotton, and that the disease was associated with significantly reduced health-related quality of life.

Most dermatologists believe that Morgellons’ disease is a mental illness analogous to delusional parasitosis and is a reflection of compulsive skin-picking. In support of this theory is the lack of positive confirmatory tests.

See also: Dermatologist – what does he do and what tests does he order?

Morgellon disease – stages

A 2020 study described a detailed classification system for Morgellons disease. Each of the four disease classes is also labeled A (mild), B (moderate), or C (severe).

The classification of Morgellons disease is based on the following criteria.

1. Stage 1 (early localized). Wounds, fibers, or both have been around for less than 3 months and are confined to one place on the body.
2. Stage 2 (early dissemination). Wounds, fibers, or both have been around for less than 3 months and can be seen in many places on the body.
3. Stage 3 (late localized). Wounds, fibers, or both have been around for more than 6 months and are confined to one place on the body.
4. Stage 4 (late disseminated): Wounds, fibers, or both have been in existence for more than 6 months and can be seen in many places on the body.

Additional stages A, B and C allow a more detailed diagnosis:

1. Stage A (mild). The fibers are small and most of the skin cells look normal.
2. Stage B (moderate). There are fibers and calluses in the skin. The skin cells may look a bit abnormal.
3. Stage C (heavy). The fibers are more visible and the affected skin may have ulcers. The skin cells are also abnormal.

Morgellons disease – diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose Morgellons’ disease if a person has slow-healing skin lesions and a feeling of crawling worms under the skin. If the doctor finds fibrous material in the skin lesions, he may send the sample to a laboratory for further analysis.

Testing blood and skin samples can reveal signs of a bacterial infection that may be related to B. burgdorferi. People can develop secondary Staphylococcus infections as a result of an open wound.

Doctors may refer someone to a psychiatrist for further evaluation if the person experiences symptoms of depression or anxiety, or if they have a history of mental illness. A history of cocaine, methylphenidate or amphetamine abuse should also be established as these substances can induce compulsive skin picking.

Diagnosing Morgellons’ disease can involve a variety of testing procedures. Ultimately, doctors will make a diagnosis based on the results of a physical examination and laboratory tests.

However, it is very important that patients work with a trusted healthcare professional, especially if they have a medical condition as poorly understood as Morgellons’ disease. People can achieve better treatment outcomes when they work with a doctor they know and trust.

See also: A “missing piece” in the development of Lyme disease was discovered. Are we closer to the vaccine?

Morgellons disease – treatment

Suitable, effective treatment options for Morgellons’ disease are still unknown. Controversy and a lack of understanding of the disease can also make treatment difficult.

If your doctor thinks Morgellons’ disease is caused by an infection, they may give you antibiotics and ointments to reduce itching. Since many people with Morgellon disease also suffer from anxiety or depression, treatment may also include mental health medications or psychological therapy.

Doctors who believe that a person’s symptoms are due to a mental health condition may prescribe psychiatric medications such as anti-anxiety or antipsychotic medications. They may also recommend talking therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Research suggests that a holistic approach (holistic medicine) that treats both skin conditions and mental health may have positive results. For the best result, it is important to establish a strong, long-term relationship with a doctor who listens to the patient’s concerns.

See also: What are the types of psychotherapy? Indications for a visit to a psychotherapist [WE EXPLAIN]

Morgellon Disease – Home Remedies

There are currently no standard treatments or formulations that can cure Morgellons’ disease. There are many home remedies for this condition available online, but they may not be safe or effective.

If you’re considering trying out treatments we’ve found on our own, it’s best to check with your doctor first.

Morgellons disease – complications

People with skin conditions, including Morgellon’s disease, can often irritate the skin. Repeated scratching or nibbling on the skin can cause or worsen ulcers and sometimes lead to infections.

If left untreated, infections can potentially turn into sepsis. The condition can cause organ failure and death if left untreated. Many people with Morgellon disease also have depression or anxiety. However, more research is needed to determine the relationship between these conditions.

Morgellon disease – why is it such a controversial condition?

A lack of understanding of Morgellon’s disease has led to controversy over the condition. Some studies suggest that the disease is a psychological problem, while other studies indicate it is caused by an infection.

Fibers are also controversial. While some studies show that microscopic fibers are made by the body from proteins keratin and collagen, others believe the fibers come from clothing.

Morgellons’ disease has been poorly understood since it was identified and named in the XNUMXth century. Childhood skin conditions called “morgellonka” affected hairs or worms sticking out of the skin, sparking debate about their origins.

In the past and now, some people with Morgellon’s disease believed that their skin was infested with parasites. This led to the condition being dubbed “delusional parasitosis” in 1946, and it was widely believed that Morgellon’s disease was a delusional disorder.

The controversy surrounding the disease continues. A 2019 case report concluded that most doctors consider Morgellons disease to be a delusional state. However, recent research indicates that the disease may be linked to tick-borne Borrelia burgdorferi infection.

The same study also found a similar disease in animals, digital dermatitis in cattle, confirming the thesis of Morgellons disease as an infectious disease. However, more research is needed to verify the origins of Morgellons’ disease.

How do I deal with Morgellons’ disease?

The signs and symptoms associated with Morgellon disease can be distressing. Even if healthcare professionals may disagree on the nature of the condition, the person with whom they are ill deserves compassionate treatment.

1. Let’s build a relationship with a caring healthcare team. Let’s find a doctor who takes our concerns into account, conducts a thorough examination, talks with us about treatment options and works with a multidisciplinary team.
2. Let’s be patient. Our doctor will likely look for known medical conditions that indicate evidence-based treatment before considering a diagnosis of Morgellon’s disease.
3. Let’s keep an open mind. Consider the various causes of symptoms and discuss your doctor’s treatment recommendations that may include long-term mental health therapy.
4. Let’s seek treatment for other diseases. Let us undergo treatment for anxiety, depression, or any other condition that affects our thinking, moods, or behavior.