MORGELLONS DISEASE: EXPLAINING THE CONTROVERSY, CAUSES, RISKS, AND MORE
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rosmy Barrios
Morgellons disease is a highly debated condition that may be diagnosed as a form of delusional parasitosis, a psychiatric condition in which the patient mistakenly believes they have a parasitic skin infestation.
Since its first mention in a 1674 letter by English physician Sir Thomas Browne to its first report in the US in 2002[1] and till date, scientists and biologists have been debating whether Morgellons disease is truly a skin infection caused by parasites or a psychosomatic condition caused by delusional ideation. Research supports both arguments, and there is still much to learn about this condition.
This article delves into what Morgellons is, its symptoms and experiences, how it is diagnosed and managed, and the latest technology and research surrounding Morgellons disease.
What is Morgellons Disease?
Morgellons disease presents as a skin condition with the placement of unusual skin fibers or filaments in the deeper levels of the skin. These fibers are often described as black, blue, white, or red and can be found in or on the skin. The condition is also associated with a crawling or stinging sensation on the skin and skin lesions that do not heal.
Doctors may diagnose those affected with delusional parasitosis, a psychosomatic condition in which individuals believe they are infested with parasites. The symptoms overlap, including crawling or stinging sensations on the skin and lesions. In delusional parasitosis, the lesions are the result of excessive skin picking and psychological sequelae.
In Morgellons disease, patients attempt to remove the filaments from their skin, which is similar to the skin picking seen in delusional parasitosis. Those affected try to bring the evidence to the doctor's office, consisting of fine hairs, fibers, and "grains of sand" or hard little crystallized grains that the patient pulled from their skin. These patients experience a wider variety of physical symptoms than those with delusional parasitosis, which led researchers to re-assess the validity of the official diagnosis.
Many older studies support that Morgellons is not an actual disease and that patients with the condition experienced symptom resolution when placed on psychiatric medication.
Newer research findings have suggested an infectious cause in some patients with Morgellons disease.
Despite varying opinions within the scientific community on the legitimacy of the condition, the bulk of current evidence continues to lean towards a delusional origin.
Symptoms and Experiences
The most common symptom of Morgellons disease is the presence of fibers or filaments at deeper levels in the skin. Patients may have skin lesions that do not heal and often pick at their skin, forming lesions in an attempt to get the filaments out. They may experience extra-sensory symptoms, such as crawling or stinging sensations on the skin.[2]
Individuals with Morgellons disease may also experience a range of other symptoms, including joint pain, brain fog (inability to think or focus), fatigue, and depression. Many also report feeling isolated and misunderstood due to the general lack of awareness.
Causes
Scientific literature suggests that most patients with Morgellons disease have delusional parasitosis[3] and that the filaments are a misinterpreted symptom of an underlying health condition. A fraction (roughly 6%) of patients with Morgellons test positive for ongoing infections and tick-borne Lyme Disease.[4]
When analyzed, most samples reveal deep human hairs and filaments made of keratin and collagen, proteins found in human skin. These findings reveal that some with the condition may be misinterpreting a skin disorder. Many samples are contaminated with cotton threads and other items, including glitter or small pieces of plastic, which may have mistakenly fallen into the sample or an open lesion that then crusted over.
A few studies found Lyme spirochetes in Morgellons disease samples, suggesting that infectious agents may disturb skin growth and lead to abnormal hair and skin deposits. Lyme Disease can also promote psychiatric illness and lead to delusional thinking.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for Morgellons disease are similar to those for delusional parasitosis and include:
- Mental health disorders and neurotransmitter imbalances
- Health conditions that cause somatosensory disturbances, including central nervous system infections, skin disorders, diabetes, lymphoma, anemia, nutritional deficiencies, or drug abuse disorders
- Lyme Disease
- Exposure to toxins and chemicals
- A weakened immune system
There is also a female bias in those with Morgellons and delusional parasitosis.
More research is needed to fully understand the causes and risk factors associated with this condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Morgellons disease poses challenges as no straightforward test or diagnostic standards are available for the condition. A patient usually seeks out the aid of a dermatologist to treat a potential infestation. Healthcare practitioners first need to take a medical history and examine the person's skin and hair under a microscope to rule out infestations like scabies and lice.[5]
If the patient does not have an infestation, practitioners may diagnose them with delusional parasitosis and refer them for psychiatric treatment.
Medical professionals will also conduct blood tests to look for any hidden health issues that might trigger symptoms, such as excessive skin itchiness, crawling sensations, tiredness, or indications of infection. These tests can help identify possible medical causes.
Additionally, it is crucial to assess whether individuals with delusional parasitosis have a history of drug abuse that may provoke delusional thinking.
Management
Currently, there is no known cure for delusional parasitosis or Morgellons disease.
Treatments aim to alleviate symptoms, decrease psychiatric anxiety, and improve quality of life. These may include:
- Topical treatments for skin lesions
- Antibiotics if an underlying infection is found
- Medications to manage pain and psychiatric symptoms
- Therapy to address any underlying psychological factors
Several small studies reveal that many patients respond to antipsychotic medications with full to partial resolution of symptoms.[6] It is necessary to address comorbid psychiatric conditions when selecting the right medication.
Antibiotics may ease symptoms for those who do not respond to this therapy. It is essential in these cases to confirm if they have an active infection and to ensure they are receiving an optimal treatment plan specific to their needs.
One key factor in effectively managing Morgellons disease is collaboration and support from healthcare professionals, family, and friends. Individuals with this condition need a supportive and understanding healthcare team willing to work with them to find the best treatment plan.
Ongoing Research into Morgellons Disease
Technological progress has been instrumental in deepening our knowledge of the disease.
Through advanced imaging techniques, such as electron microscopy and spectroscopy, researchers have identified and analyzed the fibers found in the skin of individuals with Morgellons disease. These studies have revealed that skin fibers may result from a physiological rather than a psychological process. However, most cases are psychological in origin.
Research efforts are currently aimed at finding better treatments for such patients and identifying other possible physical mechanisms involved in the formation of fibers and filaments.
Takeaways
Morgellons disease is a controversial condition that is likely to be a symptom of an underlying psychiatric disorder, infectious illness, or health condition. Most cases are classified as a type of delusional parasitosis. Individuals with Morgellons disease may experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms, and they need to have a supportive healthcare team and community to help manage their condition. With continued research and collaboration, scientists hope to unravel the mystery of Morgellons disease and provide better care for those affected by it.
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