Morgellons Disease

Morgellons disease (MD) is a rare skin condition which is characterized by the production of multicolored fibers and granular tissue that lie underneath the skin which are described as being either pruritic or painful.

Morgellons disease is a painful and life impacting condition consisting of slow-healing skin lesions, fatigue, GI disturbances and many neurological deficits. Patients with morgellons disease may shed unusual appearing particles from the skin described as fibers, sand-like, black specks, or crystalized particles.

The exact cause of Morgellons Disease remains unclear. Some potential environmental factors have been suggested but there is no scientific evidence backing this:

• Exposure to chemicals, pesticides or environmental pollutants may contribute to Morgellons.

• Heavy metals as mercury or lead, could be a contributing factor.

• Textiles or synthetic materials from clothing and bedding is another cause.

• Bacterial or fungal infections have been tested positive in individuals with Morgellons but there is no evidence suggesting that this is what causes morgellons.

• Chronic stress and trauma may exacerbate symptoms in individuals with Morgellons.

• Certain geographical regions may have a higher prevalence of Morgellons symptoms.

• Climate conditions, such as humidity and temperature may play a role in the manifestation of symptoms for some individuals.

• Poor hygiene, skin care, diet or nutrition might be misinterpreted as Morgellons symptoms.

• Intense itching

• Crawling sensations under the skin

• Spontaneously–appearing, slow-healing lesions*

• Seed-like objects/granules, fuzz balls, black specks on/in skin

• Fine, thread like colored fibers beneath and/or extruding from the skin

• Life altering fatigue

• Neurological impairment

• Visual and hearing changes

• Brain fog and diminished higher cognitive abilities

• Hair loss

• GI changes

• Muscle aches and joint pain

• General malaise

• Dental deterioration

• Sleep disturbances

• Psychiatric manifestations like anxiety, depression, new onset of panic attacks, changes in behavior and personality.

Some patients might not have any lesions, but do have visible fibers within or protruding from unbroken skin when seen with a handheld microscope at 60x – 100x. They might also not experience the intense itching.

• Seeing a doctor that specializes in Lyme disease: Since morgellens disease is closely associated with Lyme disease, seeing a doctor that specializes in Lyme disease can help treat morgellons.

• Antibiotics: can also be used to treat morgellons. This will depend on the bacterial infections and secondary skin infections. You will need to consult with your doctor about what type of antibiotic will be suitable for you.

• Moisturizers/emollients: Applying moisturizers or emollients like vaseline, aquaphor, shea butter or honey can help prevent itching and redness.

• Shaving: the whole body from head to toe might work for some people as it can break down the biofilm and make topical treatments more effective. Just be sure to shave carefully and follow up with proper aftercare to avoid irritation or infection.

• Breaking down the biofilm: can also help treat morgellons and make topical treatment effective.

• Managing stress: Try to manage your stress.

• Seek mental health support: Morgellons disease can be mentally and physically challenging, so getting mental support from doctors and family members can help alleviate some of the symptoms.

• Trying out different diets

• Cutting out sugar/carbs

• Keeping nails short and trimmed

• Using products with active ingredients like hypochlorous acid and colloidal silver

• Getting sunlight

• Drinking oregano oil

• Keep your environment neat and free from dust

• Applying apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil

• Using ivermectin, vitamin C and salt