Morgellons Disease: No Environmental or Infectious Cause

In a new Morgellons disease study, 115 Northern California patients were analyzed and it was determined that no environmental or infectious cause existed for this condition. This is probably not something most patients suffering from this debilitating disease want to hear, but at this time, it is what studies are determining.

Is Morgellons an Official Diagnosis?

No, it is not. As of now, it is considered a collection of symptoms that are unexplained. Patients often report fatigue, along with feeling like insects are crawling on their skin. The oddest symptom of all are the tiny fibers that seem to be embedded in the patient's skin in waxy scabs. These fibers are not insects, however and are definitely not alive. Scientists have concluded that they are elements of clothing, such as cotton. Patients have also reported inability to concentrate, changes in behavior, vision changes, short-term memory loss and joint pain.

How Do the Fibers Get Into the Skin?

It is believed that patients pick at themselves due to their skin being chronically irritated. It is like having an itch that cannot be soothed, except to pick at it. Then, fibers from the clothes that they wear slough off and end up embedded into the pick wounds as they start to heal.

Is Morgellons Being Considered a Psychiatric Condition?

No, this condition has not officially been deemed a psychiatric condition. However, the latest study has found that over a third of all patients studied that have this condition have a neuropsychiatric condition. It was also determined that half of the patients studied had drugs present in their hair samples.

Is Morgellons Disease Widespread or Relatively Rare?

Every state in the United States has reported incidences of this disease. The most reported cases are in Texas, Florida and California. In addition to the United States, 15 other countries have reported incidences of Morgellons.

Can Morgellons Disease be Treated?

As of now, there are no established treatment guidelines for this disease. Patients are encouraged to see a qualified healthcare professional regularly and keep track of all symptoms in a journal. It is also very important to keep all other health issues under control, especially those that could worsen this one, and those with similar symptoms. Some patients also report that it is beneficial to join a support group with others who have Morgellons disease. Scientists are working actively to try and find effective treatments for this condition, as well as a solid cause.