There seems to be a new disease that's causing a scare in parts of the US, and it's not the bird flu. Morgellons is the name of this new disease that seems to be surfacing, and everything about it seems to have come out of a bad horror movie.
According to the Morgellons Research Foundation, those who have the disease develop rashes and non-healing skin lesions that cause a burning or itching sensation. They also claim to have the feeling that insects are crawling under their skin. When the rashes are treated with topical medications, the symptoms return within a few days and further treatment ends up being futile.
Other symptoms from this strange disease include: sweat that is black and tarry, strange multi-colored fibers that come out of the skin lesions, and some sufferers have claimed that they saw small insects crawling/flying out of their skin (although no one who isn't infected with the disease has witnessed this).
Most doctors have dismissed this as delusional parasitosis, a disease in which one falsely believes oneself to be infected by an organism, though there is something more to it. More than half of those infected with this disease also have Lyme disease. The disease also, seems to be isolated to California, Texas and Florida.
The doctors who are researching this mysterious illness can't seem to find the actual cause. There is something to it though; with all those infected people reporting the same symptoms and having fibers pulled from their skin lesions, it simply can't be in their heads.
What it is, though — well, that's the mystery.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Joan Hunt
With so much still unknown, it's difficult for folks to get a diagnosis right off the bat. Having been through this myself, it took a doctor reading through old notes in my medical chart (after reading an article on Morgellons last year) to be convinced that this is what I'd experienced.
Through an unrelated illness, I'd been on a wide range of extremely strong antibiotics several years ago and I haven't had a recurrence of the odd fibers, rashes, lesions, around scar tissue since. Call it coincidence or call it a cure, I don't care. It's gone and I'm glad. I only wish my doctors over the years had known what they were looking at so we could have come to a treatment plan sooner.
2 - Margellons
You have to consider the Money aspect, and that fibers are everywhere, which explains the objects emerging from lesions
3 - RJ Elliott
I read that the only effective treatment against this dread disease is antibiotics, and oftentimes even that doesn't work...
Not good...
But I'm glad you are feeling better now, Joan! :)
4 - lisa
This strange parasitic infection that is being called Morgellons Disease is most certainly not isolated to Texas, California, and Florida but cases can be found in every state of this country. Most times patients are being diagnosed as delusional because doctors do not bother to examine the evidence and assume that the very act of bringing in samples of any kind are a symptom of delusional parasitosis. This struck in my home, infected my entire family including a two month old infant. We all experienced the sensation of tiny insects crawling on us whenever we sat on infested furniture and broke out in rashes and had track marks. Once after washing a load of infested clothing, I actually found tiny eggs in the strainer of the washer, which my husband also saw. Our hair became rough, seemed to move on its own, and fell out in patches. My children and I had strange hairs come out of us rectally. My small son actually got several red spots inside his hands, a rash on his knuckles, and two dime size white spots on his wrists from simply rubbing lotion on the bumps which were on my back. We took no antibiotics, but religious washing of bedding, removal of carpeting, and throwing out infested furniture resolved the problem for us. During the worst of it we actually had tiny things like splinters popping out of our skin. Sure the symptoms are unheard of and rather strange, but this is a true parasitic infection that the medical community needs to take seriously. Even if it were a mental problem, antipsychotic drugs do not work in curing the problem. Oddly enough sufferers have found that the same types of products are helpful in fighting this so called delusional. This problem needs to be taken seriously by the medical community. People are commiting suicide because they are not receiving help from those they trust to know what to do. Here's a big question that I have for medical proffesionals...what makes a person with no history of mental illness suddenly have the sensation that they are being bitten, break out in rashes, sores, and track marks, and actually produce strange objects from their skin. Lastly, we did actually find two springtails in two different forms during our infestation. Springtails have actually been connected to many, many morgellons cases although springtail researchers refuse to believe that they can infect people.
5 - Jack Blevins
Hi, My name is Jack. I've suffered from this very same symptons for over ten years!! I've been to the E.R. at several different hospitals. Every time I go, it's to no evail. They don't know what to say to me!! I just saw the news and it finally put a name to the madness!!I really want to get checked out by someone who will listen with an open mind and believe what Im telling them!!! I feel my skin crawl, I get the horribly painful sores, I even experience the thread like things comming out of my skin!! One thing I have not heard a mention of is the hair fibers or the actual hair folicles if pulled out of my skin have a strang looking base on them and they will like attach themselves to anything and it's very strange!!! If anyone could tell me of a doctor located in mcminnville, or pordtland or salem or anywhere half way close to me I would really appreciate it!!!! thanks to who ever opened this page!!!!
6 - mel
this is to jack. I have a friend who has been complaining of the same things your describing. Of course no one can see it but her. have you found a doctor yet? she is in the salem area.
7 - Tracy
I have to say that I was so shocked to see this on the news in my area last night. I have been suffering from this for a few years now. I thought that I just had some weird genetic skin thing that my family passed down. I was always way too embarrassed to tell anyone. I think (after reading several articles online this morning) that I may not have as serious a case as I saw on the news. My fibers are not red or blue...but white only and there is a black speck on the top...if I scratch one it raises above the skin and if I pull it out its like several cottony fibers....so weird. I also have a lesion on the back of my neck that will not heal. I am anxious to hear from other people who have experienced this. I guess i had diagnosed myself as crazy before a doctor could "misdiagnose" me.
8 - kathy
My sister has had these weird things coming out of her skin, she is losing her hair. Her feet swell. She showers and it gets worse. She had a spegetti noodle like thing come out of her heel. I just can't beleive this is happening and no one is helping these people. Her doctors have been saying shes crazy, delusional, a drug addict, etc..Are these things contagious we need to know? I don't want it. Is my sister o.k. to be around? HELP!
9 - james
if treated early it is easier to heal.
a dermatologist is the first dr. to go to and have a test done for lyme disease. a university medical center is probably best. since they have the multiple resources avaiable. this began when troops returned from iraq and middle east area, it then spread when they went home. some doctors are more familiar with it now. since the news coverage.
10 - Jamelle Berry
My hubby returned from way S. where he is working on rebuilding roads. He was a mess.. In pops my sister & she cured him. ( this is the short verson.)Read her website: posted below. Seems these things she used mildly shocks the body & shocks the bugs, ETC. what every theyre. Used my email to let me kmow how turns out if u have this conditions. I sure hope I am not going get from him. BUGS!!!!Wish was someway to give u her address.
11 - Jamelle Berry
I just posted. I want all replys email to me
12 - M
I had the exact symptoms of Morgellons disease.My doctor prescribed Hydroxyzine HCL 10MG. and Clobetasol Propionate ointment 0.05% The symptoms of itching and burning disappeared in 10 days.
13 - Troy
Why do you give ignorant doctors a free pass on this?
14 - Jeff Goldbaum
Everything seemed fine when I first went through the transporter. Then a few days later I found these dark black hairs on my back.
15 - Jerry
Could this be some type of weird tropical plant the Mexicans are bringing in? The stuff looks like roots.
16 - jeannie
this is for #7, tracy. what she is discribing are blackheads. they can appear anywhere on your body. soap and water is a sure "cure".
17 - Mary Zepeda
HI I have had Morgellons for 1 years now - I feel for all you sufferers out their because it is the most horrific thing out there and we do not get the support from our loved ones as we should.I have tried everything that the www.Morgellons web site saids and much much more and nothing seems to work to get rid of these strange bugs and fibers. We need one on one help from our doctors, but I dont know about you all out there but my doctor didnt want anything to do with me- (there should be a law against that)
I just wanted to make one more commet about Morgellons that I personally think is wrong with the people out there that think this Morgellons is contagious- Well I have been around many many people and not one person has gotten this from me- Im not a doctor but (in my opinion) you get this Morgellons from that main source- the same way that I would have contracted this is the only way that abother can contract it. I know where I get my Morgellons from, If the doctors out there would just listen hear and research it the world would know more about this and be able to figure out a cure.I have researched my own Morgellons and I have found out lots- But seriously it doesnt mean one thing without help from a specailist.
One more commet to other Morgellons sufferers try to think about people not beleiving you about your Morgellons life will be much easier- You know your body and you know that you have it-
the people thatdont beleive you I see it as IT'S THERE PROBLEM! The day will come soon when the world will know the truth and they will know the whole truth, then after that day we can all breath a little better and minds will think straighter and will all be ok. Have Faith
Mary from SO-CAL
Mary
18 - Diana
30 of 31 Morgellons patients tested positive for Lyme borreliosis.
Many doctors instantly diagnose using Ekbom's old 1938 unproven theory Delusions of Parasitosis the moment they hear the unusual symptoms. Thus, the patient is labeled DOP and is not given any treatment, allowing their disease to progress unchecked and unrelieved.
However, DOP is a diagnosis of exclusion if protocol is followed. Bloodwork, skin scrapings, or other lab work to rule out parasites or systemic disease should be done before diagnosing DOP. Examination using magnifying glass or microscope should be done.
With the lack of treatment from a majority of doctors, the lack of attention by local health departments, and the lack of action to-date from the CDC (who says they are forming a "task force" to "study" this "syndrome") the actual size of this disease in the population is unknown.
Here's an example of the typical attitude from an MD who is a member of the Something Awful message board:
Invicta{HOG}, M.D. "Well, it's not an actual hoax, but it is largely psychiatric in origin. I have seen patients who suffer from this and they all believe it quite strongly. They are quite tough to treat. They bring in all these little threads and things as proof.
The worst thing here is the reporting in that article. You'd have to look pretty hard to find a doctor that's "confused" about this disease . . ."
From NP Ginger Savely:
” . . . I now have 31 patients who fit the criteria for Morgellons disease. These patients have come to me from all over Texas, desperate for answers. I continue to be impressed with the consistency of their stories. All but one of these patients have tested positive for Lyme borreliosis, so I am currently treating them with antibiotics and seeing some remission in Morgellons symptoms . . .”
From: http://nurse-practitioners.advanceweb.com/
common/EditorialSearch/AViewer.aspx?AN=NP_05may1_npp16.
html&AD=05-01-2005
The article ends with this statement:
“Rather than being quick to pigeonhole these patients into a psychiatric diagnosis, we owe it to them to thoroughly investigate the cause of their symptoms. Morgellons disease is a reminder that we have much to learn by really listening to the patient.”
And, again from Ginger Savely:
” . . . The two main occupational groups reporting symptoms of Morgellons disease are nurses and teachers. Nurses outnumber teachers 3 to 1, but both occupational groups represent a significant percentage of patients with this disease. It is unclear what the risk factors might be, but researchers are exploring the possibility of casual transmission. . .”
30 of 31 Morgellons patients tested positive for Lyme borreliosis.
The best labs to use to check for Lyme disease are Igenex and Bowen.
============
"Borrelia (Borreliosis, neuroborreliosis; also known as Lyme Disease)
Spread primarily though the bite of infected ticks that live on a wide range of mammalian species; secondary human-to-human transmission through semen, breast milk, and possibly in utero."
LYME DISEASE SYMPTOMS BY PATHOGEN:
from:
http://www.geocities.com/playpub/LD-Symptoms.htm#_Toc119818341
". . . Borrelia
Bladder dysfunction, Burning or stabbing sensations, Cardiac impairment, Change in bowel function, Chest pain, Confusion, Depression, Difficulty thinking, Difficulty with concentration and reading, Difficulty with speech, writing, Difficulty finding words; name blocking, Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places, Disturbed sleep: too much, too little, fractionated, early awakening, Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity, Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol, Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity, Facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina, Forgetfulness, Headache, Heart block, Heart murmur, Heart palpitations, Heart valve prolapse, Increased motion sickness, Irritability, Irritable bladder, Joint pain or swelling, Lightheadedness, Mood swings, Muscle pain or cramps, Neck creaks & cracks, Neck stiffness, pain, Numbness, Pelvic pain, Poor attention, Poor balance, Poor short-term memory, Problem absorbing new information, Pulse skips, Rib soreness, Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido, Shooting pains, Shortness of breath; cough, Skin hypersensitivity, Sore throat, Stiffness of the joints or back, Swollen glands, Testicular pain, Tingling , Tremor, Twitching of the face or other muscles, Unavoidable need to sit or lay down, Unexplained breast pain, Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills or flushing, Unexplained hair loss, Unexplained menstrual irregularity’, Unexplained milk production, Unexplained weight loss or gain, Upset Stomach or abdominal pain, Vertigo, Wooziness. . . "
30 of 31 Morgellons patients tested positive for Lyme borreliosis
19 - Psychologist
Please leave the diagnosis of mental illness in the hands of those clinical psycholigists trained to use a battery of psychological tests. We look at indices for neurological impairment and integrate findings from objective and projective measures to give a balanced and full clinical picture.
Can dermatologists just work on doing good dermatology and remain cognizant of practice boundaries? Thank you.
20 - Smileykins
"Who" though, with "morgellons disease" is willing to get a mental evaluation to begin with? Dermatologists, and other doctors, and even discerning people that hear the news, and read what they do on morgellons message boards are not stupid. I invite persons in possession of excellent comprehensive skills to visit the URL I've provided.
Some "morgie people" are orchestrating a letter writing campaign, even now that they their wish has finally been granted that the CDC get involved, as well as Wymore's getting the go ahead with his OSU studies to begin next month.
They're planning on sending out letters to public schools to spread panic. So, why is that, after their wishes have now been granted? That serves to add to the opinions the general public has already formed.
21 - AD2006
I think I may have Morgellons or something similar.Almost a year ago my legs began to itch very severely.The itching was all over my legs but more severe on my shins.I tried changing soaps , detergent,lotions, I even tried eleminating different types of fabrics (socks and pants etc.)But nothing would help.I would end up with sores all over my legs and it was just gross looking.Anyway I had to force myself to not scratch my legs for fear of infection and I also found that Ojon ( a restorative hair treatment from the jungles of South America)would actually give me temporary relief.
Anyway I just got used to my legs itching and would still catch myself scratching occasionally when I wasn't thinking.So one day about 2 months ago my right leg was itching painfully just beside my knee on the inner side of my leg.So I pulled my jeans up to look at it and there was a sore or lesion but it had something black barely visible in it.I thought maybe something had bitten me while I slept and that the black thing was a fang or stinger ( I just couldn't think of anything else it could be ).
So when I got home I got the tweezers and pulled it out.Well I kind of tripped out because it was what looked to be some sort of fiber, like a small black string and there was actually another that I pulled out behind it.
Anyway I just told my self that maybe I had bumped my leg on something and my pants had stabbed into my leg leaving fibers in the sore.I know that sounds dumb but it was the most logical thing I could come up with.
But get this.Less than 2 weeks ago I had the same thing happen again but this time on my stomache!And I have scars from both.
It scared me at first because the sore on my stomache acted like it wasn't going to heal but it finally did thank God.
I have other symptoms too like the ears itching painfully but I just really try not to scratch them or touch them with my fingers because infection scares me more than anything.
Anyway I am not going to go to a doctor because it doesn't bother me that much. I have a very high tolerance for pain.And prayer along will power keep me from being overcome with this. However if it does get worse or starts occurring more frequently then I will go to a doctor for sure!
22 - Judy
I'm happy that I'm not the only one with this problem and I can sympathise with all of you who do have it, its awfull. The summer of 1993 I aquired my first spot on my right shoulder it was a super tiny raised spot of what appeared to be dried blood, when scab was scraped off it bleed alot and then it started itching and wouldnt heal, I have seen 6 skin specialists with each one telling me something diffrent.I have tried antibiotics, skin creams . All that they recommended and still no results. Now my skin is so scared up I dont dress like I would like and people think I'm contagious and it causes anxiety and depression.I now have trouble with my memory bad, also just the other day I had one on the inside of my lip, for all I know they could be inside me all over and me not know it.
23 - LEE
OH MY GOD, I CANT STOP CRYING. I JUST FIGURED OUT I HAVE THISAND IT FEELS SO HOPELESS. I AM AFRAID TO TELL ANYONE BECAUSE IF THEY EVEN BELIEVE ME THEY ARE GOUNG TO RUN. I KNOW I WOULD. ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT NOW IS MY SON, HOW DO I PROTECT HIM, IS IT TO LATE, MY GOD HOW COULD THIS BE HAPPENING HOW COULD OUR GOVERNMENT BE LETTING THIS HAPPEN TO US. THERE HAS GOT TO BE A WAY TO REACH EVERYONE AND FIND OUT WHAT WE ARE DEALING WITH. GOD PLEASE HELP US, I AM SO SCARED
24 - Lou Lou
I do not have morgellons but I know one person who has had it for at least 10 years. Two other people I know also contracted the disease which they have since gotten rid of. They both went to a dermatologist (togeather they are a couple) and he perscribed them Pyramatheran (spelling?) which is a parasite pill used on animals. She also washed her house down completely walls and all with straight Molythyon (instestide) and took bleach baths. She treated her house every 10 days she believes the the infestation is like fleas with eggs hatching every 10 days. She did this for a few months and is now Morgellons FREE. It is a scarry thing and I do not have the disease but have seen it and believe it is real. Primetime live will have a segment on Medical Mysteries August 9th at 10p.m. I hope this info. will help some of you and ask your doctor to perscribe the pills. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. I PRAY FOR A CURE SOON!
25 - Raven
You might consider contacting Dr. Omar M. Amin Ph. D. is a professor of Parasitology at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona and the Director of the Institute of Parasitic Diseases (IPD) and it's Diagnostic and Educational Laboratory (DEL), Phoenix, Arizona. He is a recognized authority in the field of Parasitology with over 100 major scientific articles and books to his credit. He helped my mother heal when she came down with these symptoms. Contact Dr. Amin especially if you have had a lot of dental work done as with my mother. www.parasitetesting.com