What is Morgellons Disease?

Recently, a new syndrome called Morgellons Disease has been making the rounds in the media. However, little is known about this disease, and misconceptions run rampant. Physicians have misdiagnosed cases, or have simply told patients that it is all in their heads. As more people are finding out, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Morgellons disease are varied, and they may not be present in all cases. Small sores appear on the skin, usually over the entire body. These sores are painful, and regularly emit what appear to be blue fibers, white thread and occasionally specks that appear like sand. In addition to the sores, patients with Morgellons may experience extreme fatigue, brain fog or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, swelling of the joints, hair loss and a persistent crawling sensation over their skin. Many patients feel as if they have thousands of bugs living under their skin.

Secondary complications of Morgellons include a feeling of deep depression. Many sufferers commit suicide after years of dealing with the disease. This may be linked to the treatment that some receive from incredulous doctors, as well as chemical changes that may occur in the brain of the sufferer. Since it is not known if the disease is contagious, people with Morgellons are commonly shut-off from society and may lose their support system.

The constant crawling sensation that many experience with the disease can literally drive a patient insane. When patients bring in the fibers that are exuded from their skin, a common reaction from a physician is that they are faking the disorder. This can be referred to as matchbox syndrome, which is linked to patients from earlier days who would bring in their samples in matchboxes.

Cause