What is Morgellons Disease?
Definition
Morgellons disease (MD) is a true chronic multisystem disease causing debilitating ill health associated with an infective process. The most outstanding and unique diagnostic features of MD are the growth of microscopic fibers in human skin as well as treatment-resistant skin lesions. The ongoing growth of these dermal fibers causes endless suffering for MD patients which is described as sensations of bugs crawling, biting and stinging. MD fibers are primarily composed of the human body’s own collagen/keratin and are not to be confused with lint or textile fibers (see full symptom list below).
Treatment and Cure
There is currently is no known cure. There is currently no standard of treatment, although some doctors are exploring various approaches. The greatest barrier to treatment of MD patients is the lack of recognition by healthcare authorities and scientific communities. Until healthcare authorities validate MD there remains no acceptable standard of care.
Healthcare Authorities
The most prominent healthcare authority in the world, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), published a study in 2012 claiming MD patients would benefit from standard treatment for patients with Delusions of Infestation/Delusional Parasitosis (such as antipsychotic mind-altering drugs which do not treat infection). Spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America describes MD as a neuropsychiatric disorder and that there is no proof whatsoever it is caused by an infectious disease or organism.
Antipsychotic drugging of MD patients does not treat the root cause of infection and is considered by many to be an act of institutional discrimination with no validated scientific basis, thus constituting gross human rights violations.
Diagnosis
Detection of fibers found in bodily tissues will confirm a diagnosis of MD as no other disease has this unique symptom. The most commonly agreed upon diagnostic feature of MD are dermal fibers, composed of collagen and keratin, seen underneath unbroken skin and embedded in lesions, although fibers have been reported throughout the body. Examination is commonly performed using a handheld microscope with a minimum of 20 times magnification (ideally 60-100 times magnification).
MD dermal fibers are most often colored red, white, blue and black, although other colors have been identified. Patients with no microscopic fibers detectable in bodily tissues do not have MD.
In some cases, MD patients will not present with skin lesions.
Symptoms
• Dermal/body tissue fibers: red, white, blue and black fibers growing in skin composed of keratin/collagen
• Hard granular crystalline particles the size and texture of sand grains emerge from skin
• Intense itching, agitation and painful sensations in the skin caused by the growth of fibers and granular particles
• Extremely disturbing sensations in the skin described as being similar to bugs crawling under the skin, stinging and biting
• Spontaneously-occurring treatment-resistant skin lesions which are slow to heal and can last for weeks and months, and longer than 1 year
• Rashes and other skin irritations
• Fever
• Debilitating fatigue
• Night sweats and chills
• Neurological damage and impairment
• Environmental and chemical sensitivities
• Impaired vision and hearing
• Brain fog and impairment of higher cognitive abilities
• Hair loss and unusual alteration of the hair
• Gastrointestinal impairment
• Joint pain and muscle aches
• Peripheral neuropathy, muscle and/or joint pain, life-altering chronic pain and general malaise
• Dental deterioration
• Impaired ability to sleep
• Psychological and psychiatric manifestations such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, behavioral and personality changes which result in any number of psychiatric diagnosis’
• PTSD associated with severity of unusual and disturbing symptoms, coupled with institutional discrimination and abuse
Conclusion
All medical practitioners must follow the dictates of the official position of the CDC. Without the CDC or IDSA to validate Morgellons disease as a true physical disease, patients are condemned, denied proper testing, proper diagnosis and proper healthcare treatment. Furthermore, patients are denied the support typically afforded to disabled persons.
*This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.