The CDC has a page on their website discussing their new investigation into Morgellon's Disease. There is also a Q&A at the bottom of the page.
The suffering that many people associate with this condition is best addressed by a careful, objective scientific analysis. Considering the complexity of this condition, we believe that a measured and thorough approach offers the best chance for finding useful answers.
To learn more about this condition, CDC is conducting an epidemiologic investigation. CDC has awarded a contract to Kaiser Permanente's Northern California Division of Research to assist CDC in the investigation of this condition. The study is being designed and led by CDC.
The primary goals of the investigation are to help us learn more about who may be affected with this condition, the symptoms they experience, and to generate hypotheses about factors that may contribute to it. The investigation will involve: determining the clinical and epidemiologic features of this condition; assessing the histopathology of skin biopsies from affected patients; characterizing foreign material such as fibers or threads obtained from persons with the condition; describing the geographic distribution of this condition; and estimating rates of illness among the study population.
Showing posts with label lyme disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lyme disease. Show all posts
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
CDC Website Regarding Morgellons Disease and Investigation
The CDC has a page on their website discussing their new investigation into Morgellon's Disease. There is also a Q&A at the bottom of the page.
The suffering that many people associate with this condition is best addressed by a careful, objective scientific analysis. Considering the complexity of this condition, we believe that a measured and thorough approach offers the best chance for finding useful answers.
To learn more about this condition, CDC is conducting an epidemiologic investigation. CDC has awarded a contract to Kaiser Permanente's Northern California Division of Research to assist CDC in the investigation of this condition. The study is being designed and led by CDC.
The primary goals of the investigation are to help us learn more about who may be affected with this condition, the symptoms they experience, and to generate hypotheses about factors that may contribute to it. The investigation will involve: determining the clinical and epidemiologic features of this condition; assessing the histopathology of skin biopsies from affected patients; characterizing foreign material such as fibers or threads obtained from persons with the condition; describing the geographic distribution of this condition; and estimating rates of illness among the study population.
Monday, January 7, 2008
The Morgellons Mystery
Good five page article in Psychology Today:
The Morgellons Mystery
A just-christened illness involves disorientation, multi-colored fibers bursting from sores, and the sensation of bugs crawling under the skin. Is this an age-old delusion or a disturbing new disease?
By: Elizabeth DeVita-Raeburn
Read it here
The Morgellons Mystery
A just-christened illness involves disorientation, multi-colored fibers bursting from sores, and the sensation of bugs crawling under the skin. Is this an age-old delusion or a disturbing new disease?
By: Elizabeth DeVita-Raeburn
Read it here
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Topical Skin Treatments for Morgellons Disease
I ran across a website with some suggestions for topical treatment of Morgellons Disease. As always, take a cautious approach when using an untried medicinal regimen. There is quite a bit of documentation and links at the bottom of the page, too.
Link to the site is here
Link to the site is here
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Morgellons Disease: CDC to investigate in 2008
Article from the Sunday Paper:
CDC announces Morgellons investigation in early 2008
By Stephanie Ramage
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will begin an investigation of the mysterious condition known as Morgellons disease in February or March, according to a CDC spokesman.
The CDC investigation, prompted in part by thousands of letters sent to members of Congress by people who believe they have Morgellons, will be done in partnership with Kaiser Permanente.
Dave Daigle, spokesman for the CDC, says Kaiser Permanente was chosen in November to work on the investigation because of its huge patient database. The initial part of the investigation, all of which will be conducted in California, will require the KP team to comb through records to find patients who have complained of symptoms associated with Morgellons. The second part of the investigation will consist of asking those patients to fill out a questionnaire and allow KP and CDC staffers, in addition to other investigators from the American Dermatology Association and the National Armed Forces Pathology Institute, to take blood and tissue samples.
California was chosen for the investigation because there have been more reports of Morgellons in that state than any other. Florida and Texas account for the second and third highest incidence of what sufferers believe to be Morgellons. California, Florida and Texas are also the nation’s most populous states.
At present, KP is working on a set of protocols that outline the strategy that will be used in the investigation. The protocols will be submitted to the CDC’s Institutional Review Board by January.
Daigle acknowledges that there has been a great deal of frustration among those who claim to have the illness, which the CDC presently categorizes as “unexplained dermopathy.” Since the CDC originally said it would look into the condition in June 2006, those who claim to have it have complained that the CDC has been “dragging its feet” on the promised investigation.
“But this is not like Ebola,” says Daigle, “where you can send a team parachuting into the jungle to take care of it.” That’s because Morgellons is widely dismissed as delusional parasitosis within the medical community. “Delusional parasitosis” is the term used to describe the condition of believing one has bugs crawling on or under one’s skin. It’s considered a symptom of mental illness. And so the CDC faces the unusual challenge of finding out if a condition reported by an estimated 10,000 people (according to the Morgellons Research Foundation), but usually dismissed by medical professionals as a delusion, actually exists.
Read the rest of the article here
CDC announces Morgellons investigation in early 2008
By Stephanie Ramage
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will begin an investigation of the mysterious condition known as Morgellons disease in February or March, according to a CDC spokesman.
The CDC investigation, prompted in part by thousands of letters sent to members of Congress by people who believe they have Morgellons, will be done in partnership with Kaiser Permanente.
Dave Daigle, spokesman for the CDC, says Kaiser Permanente was chosen in November to work on the investigation because of its huge patient database. The initial part of the investigation, all of which will be conducted in California, will require the KP team to comb through records to find patients who have complained of symptoms associated with Morgellons. The second part of the investigation will consist of asking those patients to fill out a questionnaire and allow KP and CDC staffers, in addition to other investigators from the American Dermatology Association and the National Armed Forces Pathology Institute, to take blood and tissue samples.
California was chosen for the investigation because there have been more reports of Morgellons in that state than any other. Florida and Texas account for the second and third highest incidence of what sufferers believe to be Morgellons. California, Florida and Texas are also the nation’s most populous states.
At present, KP is working on a set of protocols that outline the strategy that will be used in the investigation. The protocols will be submitted to the CDC’s Institutional Review Board by January.
Daigle acknowledges that there has been a great deal of frustration among those who claim to have the illness, which the CDC presently categorizes as “unexplained dermopathy.” Since the CDC originally said it would look into the condition in June 2006, those who claim to have it have complained that the CDC has been “dragging its feet” on the promised investigation.
“But this is not like Ebola,” says Daigle, “where you can send a team parachuting into the jungle to take care of it.” That’s because Morgellons is widely dismissed as delusional parasitosis within the medical community. “Delusional parasitosis” is the term used to describe the condition of believing one has bugs crawling on or under one’s skin. It’s considered a symptom of mental illness. And so the CDC faces the unusual challenge of finding out if a condition reported by an estimated 10,000 people (according to the Morgellons Research Foundation), but usually dismissed by medical professionals as a delusion, actually exists.
Read the rest of the article here
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Morgellons Disease Nosology
Here's an article from the Morgellons Watch site regarding disease classification:
"In any discussion, particularly in science, the defining of terms is vital to progress. If you think a term means one thing, and someone else thinks it means something else, then unless you address this difference, you are not going to come to any meaningful agreement.
This problem is particularly apparent in the phenomenon of “Morgellons“. There are two particular terms that cause problems. The first is, obviously, “Morgellons” itself, and the second is “Delusional Parasitosis” (DP). The confusion between these terms has led to the doubly misunderstood (and hence incorrect) statement that “Morgellons is DP”. Morgellons is not DP."
Read the rest of the article here
"In any discussion, particularly in science, the defining of terms is vital to progress. If you think a term means one thing, and someone else thinks it means something else, then unless you address this difference, you are not going to come to any meaningful agreement.
This problem is particularly apparent in the phenomenon of “Morgellons“. There are two particular terms that cause problems. The first is, obviously, “Morgellons” itself, and the second is “Delusional Parasitosis” (DP). The confusion between these terms has led to the doubly misunderstood (and hence incorrect) statement that “Morgellons is DP”. Morgellons is not DP."
Read the rest of the article here
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Morgellons Post: Overcoming Psychology
An interesting blog post I ran across. It may help several people out there who have fallen under the psychological symptoms of Morgellons fever. I can't say whether Morgellons is real or not, but I believe that the majority of people who suffer from it are merely falling prey to the psychological symptoms and not from any real life parasitic afflications. I think what Molly writes here is a great revelation for herself.
http://mollywrites.wordpress.com/2007/10/25/health-update/
http://mollywrites.wordpress.com/2007/10/25/health-update/
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Morgellons disease: Managing a mysterious skin condition
Morgellons disease: Managing a mysterious skin condition
Morgellons disease is mysterious and controversial. Here you'll find answers to common questions about Morgellons disease — and suggestions for coping with it.
Morgellons disease is a mysterious skin disorder characterized by disfiguring sores and crawling sensations on and under the skin. Although Morgellons disease isn't widely recognized as a medical diagnosis, experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating reports of the condition.
If you suspect that you have Morgellons disease, you may have many questions about the condition. Here's what you need to know about Morgellons disease, including practical tips for managing your signs and symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of Morgellons disease?
The Morgellons Research Foundation lists six primary signs and symptoms of the condition:
* Skin lesions accompanied by intense itching
* Crawling sensations on and under the skin, often compared to insects moving, stinging or biting
* Fatigue significant enough to interfere with daily activity
* Inability to concentrate and difficulty with short-term memory
* Behavioral changes
* Fibers — which can be white, blue, green, red or black — in and on the lesions
Read the rest of the article here
Morgellons disease is mysterious and controversial. Here you'll find answers to common questions about Morgellons disease — and suggestions for coping with it.
Morgellons disease is a mysterious skin disorder characterized by disfiguring sores and crawling sensations on and under the skin. Although Morgellons disease isn't widely recognized as a medical diagnosis, experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating reports of the condition.
If you suspect that you have Morgellons disease, you may have many questions about the condition. Here's what you need to know about Morgellons disease, including practical tips for managing your signs and symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of Morgellons disease?
The Morgellons Research Foundation lists six primary signs and symptoms of the condition:
* Skin lesions accompanied by intense itching
* Crawling sensations on and under the skin, often compared to insects moving, stinging or biting
* Fatigue significant enough to interfere with daily activity
* Inability to concentrate and difficulty with short-term memory
* Behavioral changes
* Fibers — which can be white, blue, green, red or black — in and on the lesions
Read the rest of the article here
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Morgellons Disease Forum
Interested in Morgellons Disease? I ran across this forum today. Hopefully it can help answer some questions about the disease for you.
http://www.morgellons-disease-research.com/Morgellons-Message-Board/index.php?PHPSESSID=bd7652080a8244c98c3c584e26a35e0d&
http://www.morgellons-disease-research.com/Morgellons-Message-Board/index.php?PHPSESSID=bd7652080a8244c98c3c584e26a35e0d&
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Morgellons Disease: Psychology Today Article
Good, in depth article about Morgellons deisease. Gives a brief history of Morgellons and then discusses how patients and doctors react to the symptoms. Really good read.
The Morgellons Mystery
A just-christened illness involves disorientation, multi-colored fibers bursting from sores, and the sensation of bugs crawling under the skin. Is this an age-old delusion or a disturbing new disease?
Four years ago, Mary Leitao plucked a fiber that looked like dandelion fluff from a sore under her 2-year-old son's lip. Three pediatricians, three allergists, two dermatologists, and many misdiagnoses later, she realized she had a problem. Her toddler son, Drew, had developed more sores, with more fibers poking out of them. Sometimes the fibers were white, and sometimes they were black, red, or blue. He also believed that insects were crawling under his skin, something he conveyed, in two-year-old fashion, by pointing to his lips and saying "bugs."
It wasn't eczema, or an allergy that physicians could discern. Something was seriously wrong. But no one believed Leitao. The last doctor she tried to consult, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, not only refused to see her, but based on Drew's growing pile of medical records, suggested it was a case of Munchausen's by proxy, a psychiatric syndrome in which a parent pretends a child is sick or makes him sick to get attention from the medical system.
Frustrated, in March of 2004, Leitao picked a name for what afflicted Drew: Morgellons disease, from an obscure, 17th century French medical article describing an illness, called the morgellons, in which black hairs emerge from the skin. Then she put up a Web site. "I was hoping to hear from scientists or physicians who might understand the problem," she says. Instead, she heard from thousands of others, all describing the sores and fibers and an additional laundry list of neurological symptoms that included brain fog, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain, among others. "That's when I started to realize how big this problem was," says Leitao.
Read the rest of the article here
The Morgellons Mystery
A just-christened illness involves disorientation, multi-colored fibers bursting from sores, and the sensation of bugs crawling under the skin. Is this an age-old delusion or a disturbing new disease?
Four years ago, Mary Leitao plucked a fiber that looked like dandelion fluff from a sore under her 2-year-old son's lip. Three pediatricians, three allergists, two dermatologists, and many misdiagnoses later, she realized she had a problem. Her toddler son, Drew, had developed more sores, with more fibers poking out of them. Sometimes the fibers were white, and sometimes they were black, red, or blue. He also believed that insects were crawling under his skin, something he conveyed, in two-year-old fashion, by pointing to his lips and saying "bugs."
It wasn't eczema, or an allergy that physicians could discern. Something was seriously wrong. But no one believed Leitao. The last doctor she tried to consult, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, not only refused to see her, but based on Drew's growing pile of medical records, suggested it was a case of Munchausen's by proxy, a psychiatric syndrome in which a parent pretends a child is sick or makes him sick to get attention from the medical system.
Frustrated, in March of 2004, Leitao picked a name for what afflicted Drew: Morgellons disease, from an obscure, 17th century French medical article describing an illness, called the morgellons, in which black hairs emerge from the skin. Then she put up a Web site. "I was hoping to hear from scientists or physicians who might understand the problem," she says. Instead, she heard from thousands of others, all describing the sores and fibers and an additional laundry list of neurological symptoms that included brain fog, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain, among others. "That's when I started to realize how big this problem was," says Leitao.
Read the rest of the article here
Morgellon's Disease Article: Texas Victim
News artcle about a woman in Texas who believes she has Morgellon's Disease
05/20/07 - Lufkin, Texas
Morgellons Disease
by Josh Ault
Crawling, stinging and biting are the symptoms of an unknown skin condition effecting people across the nation. Some experts say it is mental, while those who have it say it is real. One Lufkin woman says it is real, and shared her story with KTRE.
Gayle Crager has suffered from an unknown disease for over six years. It was until about two years ago that she found a name for it: Morgellons Disease.
The symptoms of Morgellons Disease are disturbing. Gayle describes the feeling as if bugs are crawling under your skin. She said, "You feel them biting you . . . you have intensive itching." The condition gets worse, fiber like strands come out of the skin. They are sometimes called worms. Crager said, "They can be red, black . . . most of mine have been black." She says that the fibers mimic the clothes that she wears.
Gayle says that at first it starts out as a pimple, and then spreads to the entire body. She has scars all over her body, and fresh sores that are new. "It's devastating, its totally devastating, mentally and physically," she said.
Read the whole article here
05/20/07 - Lufkin, Texas
Morgellons Disease
by Josh Ault
Crawling, stinging and biting are the symptoms of an unknown skin condition effecting people across the nation. Some experts say it is mental, while those who have it say it is real. One Lufkin woman says it is real, and shared her story with KTRE.
Gayle Crager has suffered from an unknown disease for over six years. It was until about two years ago that she found a name for it: Morgellons Disease.
The symptoms of Morgellons Disease are disturbing. Gayle describes the feeling as if bugs are crawling under your skin. She said, "You feel them biting you . . . you have intensive itching." The condition gets worse, fiber like strands come out of the skin. They are sometimes called worms. Crager said, "They can be red, black . . . most of mine have been black." She says that the fibers mimic the clothes that she wears.
Gayle says that at first it starts out as a pimple, and then spreads to the entire body. She has scars all over her body, and fresh sores that are new. "It's devastating, its totally devastating, mentally and physically," she said.
Read the whole article here
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Just How Toxic ARE Some Morgellons Disease Patients?
Just How Toxic ARE Some Morgellons Disease Patients?
Remember last spring’s Morgellons Research Foundation’s email, which included this message:
“Please know that hope truly is on the horizon. Please do not poison your body with pesticides and toxic chemicals while this mystery is unfolding. You must remain as healthy as possible.”
(What a statement.)
It goes without saying, that anyone who uses poisons has caused irreversible damage to themselves.
Perhaps you know of someone who thinks they have “morgellons disease” who has used the scabicide, Lindane, and you’re unaware of the harm it causes.
Click here to read the entire article by Smileykins on the Morgellons Watch site
Remember last spring’s Morgellons Research Foundation’s email, which included this message:
“Please know that hope truly is on the horizon. Please do not poison your body with pesticides and toxic chemicals while this mystery is unfolding. You must remain as healthy as possible.”
(What a statement.)
It goes without saying, that anyone who uses poisons has caused irreversible damage to themselves.
Perhaps you know of someone who thinks they have “morgellons disease” who has used the scabicide, Lindane, and you’re unaware of the harm it causes.
Click here to read the entire article by Smileykins on the Morgellons Watch site
Retired Elementary School Teacher Locked Up in the Nut House For Having Morgellons Disease
Retired Elementary School Teacher Locked Up in the Nut House For Having Morgellons Disease
After 20 Years of Symptoms and a Court Ordered 4 Week Stay in a Psychiatric Ward, This Morgellons Sufferer is Now Nearly Symptom-Free, and Wants to Share Her Story
Marlene Gregor is a gentle, kind woman who has suffered from a disease called Morgellons, tells here story of how her family felt it best for her to have onsite psychiatric care because she was complaining of “bugs biting and scratching me”. The truth is, she did have bugs under her skin, along with lesions all over her body with multi-colored fibers protruding from them. She also suffered depression, 'brain fog' and deep bone pains that no doctor could diagnose.
Click here to read the entire article by Jeff Sohler of the Morgellons Hope site
After 20 Years of Symptoms and a Court Ordered 4 Week Stay in a Psychiatric Ward, This Morgellons Sufferer is Now Nearly Symptom-Free, and Wants to Share Her Story
Marlene Gregor is a gentle, kind woman who has suffered from a disease called Morgellons, tells here story of how her family felt it best for her to have onsite psychiatric care because she was complaining of “bugs biting and scratching me”. The truth is, she did have bugs under her skin, along with lesions all over her body with multi-colored fibers protruding from them. She also suffered depression, 'brain fog' and deep bone pains that no doctor could diagnose.
Click here to read the entire article by Jeff Sohler of the Morgellons Hope site
Mayo Clinic Article on Managing Morgellons Disease
Morgellons disease is mysterious and controversial. Here you'll find answers to common questions about Morgellons disease — and suggestions for coping with it.
Morgellons disease is a mysterious skin disorder characterized by disfiguring sores and crawling sensations on and under the skin. Although Morgellons disease isn't widely recognized as a medical diagnosis, experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating reports of the condition.
If you suspect that you have Morgellons disease, you may have many questions about the condition. Here's what you need to know about Morgellons disease, including practical tips for managing your signs and symptoms.
Here's a link to the Mayo Clinic Article
Morgellons disease is a mysterious skin disorder characterized by disfiguring sores and crawling sensations on and under the skin. Although Morgellons disease isn't widely recognized as a medical diagnosis, experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating reports of the condition.
If you suspect that you have Morgellons disease, you may have many questions about the condition. Here's what you need to know about Morgellons disease, including practical tips for managing your signs and symptoms.
Here's a link to the Mayo Clinic Article
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Morgellons Disease
Morgellons Disease
By Frank G
A horrifying and fascinating disease is affecting thousands of people in the Bay Area, along the Gulf Coast, Florida and throughout the world. The disease is called Morgellons, and no one knows what causes it or if it's even a real skin disorder. People with weird symptoms with no alternatives available at the moment find comfort and a diagnosis on the Internet. After more than a year of pressure from patients convinced they have Morgellons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will begin investigating the ailment for the first time and determine, once and for all, whether the Morgellons disease exists.
It was named 2002 by Mary Leitao in McMurray, Pa. Leitao named the condition Morgellons Disease, after a disease with similar symptoms mentioned in a 16th-century medical text, while investigating a skin condition on her then two year old son. Nobody had every heard about it before then. Till this day, few doctors have heard of the condition; fewer still know what to make of it. Most in the medical community dismiss it as a hoax, scabies, Lyme disease or a mental condition called Delusional Parasitosis. Delusional Parasitosis is a mistaken belief that one is being infested by parasites such as mites, lice, fleas, spiders, worms, bacteria, or other organisms.
Most victims with this skin disease report painful crawling, stinging, and biting sensations, as well as non-healing skin lesions, which are associated with fiber like or filamentous structures. Victims as well have reported the presence of seed-like granules and black speck-like material above and in their lesions. The reaction of medical professionals has made a difficult situation even harder for victims. Dermatologists claim the filaments are all delusions, although none had taken the time to even study them.
Oklahoma State University Professor Randy Wymore was the first scientist to conduct research on this skin disease. He says it's the biggest mystery he's ever been involved in. Wymore says his tests rule out not only textile fibers, but also worms, insects, animal material and even human skin and hair. He says the filaments are not an external contamination. Instead, they are a substance that materializes somehow inside the body, apparent artifacts of something infectious. If no more medical professionals take the time to study this, we may never know the truth as it continues to spread.
Frank G
For more information please visit http://www.morgellons-disease-research.com/
By Frank G
A horrifying and fascinating disease is affecting thousands of people in the Bay Area, along the Gulf Coast, Florida and throughout the world. The disease is called Morgellons, and no one knows what causes it or if it's even a real skin disorder. People with weird symptoms with no alternatives available at the moment find comfort and a diagnosis on the Internet. After more than a year of pressure from patients convinced they have Morgellons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will begin investigating the ailment for the first time and determine, once and for all, whether the Morgellons disease exists.
It was named 2002 by Mary Leitao in McMurray, Pa. Leitao named the condition Morgellons Disease, after a disease with similar symptoms mentioned in a 16th-century medical text, while investigating a skin condition on her then two year old son. Nobody had every heard about it before then. Till this day, few doctors have heard of the condition; fewer still know what to make of it. Most in the medical community dismiss it as a hoax, scabies, Lyme disease or a mental condition called Delusional Parasitosis. Delusional Parasitosis is a mistaken belief that one is being infested by parasites such as mites, lice, fleas, spiders, worms, bacteria, or other organisms.
Most victims with this skin disease report painful crawling, stinging, and biting sensations, as well as non-healing skin lesions, which are associated with fiber like or filamentous structures. Victims as well have reported the presence of seed-like granules and black speck-like material above and in their lesions. The reaction of medical professionals has made a difficult situation even harder for victims. Dermatologists claim the filaments are all delusions, although none had taken the time to even study them.
Oklahoma State University Professor Randy Wymore was the first scientist to conduct research on this skin disease. He says it's the biggest mystery he's ever been involved in. Wymore says his tests rule out not only textile fibers, but also worms, insects, animal material and even human skin and hair. He says the filaments are not an external contamination. Instead, they are a substance that materializes somehow inside the body, apparent artifacts of something infectious. If no more medical professionals take the time to study this, we may never know the truth as it continues to spread.
Frank G
For more information please visit http://www.morgellons-disease-research.com/
Monday, March 5, 2007
Morgellons disease: Managing a mysterious skin condition
Morgellons disease: Managing a mysterious skin condition
Morgellons disease is mysterious and controversial. Here you'll find answers to common questions about Morgellons disease — and suggestions for coping with it.
Morgellons disease is a mysterious skin disorder characterized by disfiguring sores and crawling sensations on and under the skin. Although Morgellons disease isn't widely recognized as a medical diagnosis, experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating reports of the condition.
If you suspect that you have Morgellons disease, you may have many questions about the condition. Here's what you need to know about Morgellons disease, including practical tips for managing your signs and symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of Morgellons disease?
The Morgellons Research Foundation lists six primary signs and symptoms of the condition:
* Skin lesions accompanied by intense itching
* Crawling sensations on and under the skin, often compared to insects moving, stinging or biting
* Fatigue significant enough to interfere with daily activity
* Inability to concentrate and difficulty with short-term memory
* Behavioral changes
* Fibers — which can be white, blue, green, red or black — in and on the lesions
These signs and symptoms might appear along with changes in vision, stomach pain or other gastrointestinal symptoms, and changes in skin texture and pigment.
Morgellons disease shares characteristics with various recognized conditions, including attention-deficit disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder and a mental illness involving false beliefs about infestation by parasites (delusional parasitosis).
How long has Morgellons disease been around?
In 1674, English physician and writer Sir Thomas Browne used the term "Morgellons disease" to describe "black hairs" emerging from childhood skin lesions. Today, the Morgellons Research Foundation doesn't claim that the disorder described by Browne is the same as Morgellons disease. Rather, the foundation adopted the term as a convenient label for a set of signs and symptoms.
How widespread is Morgellons disease?
Reports of Morgellons disease have been made in every state in the United States and 15 countries around the world. Most reported cases are clustered in Calfironia, Texas and Florida.
What do researchers know about Morgellons disease?
Beyond anecdotal reports, researchers know little about Morgellons disease. The Morgellons Research Foundation reports no known causes of Morgellons disease and no successful treatment for the condition. Whether Morgellons disease is contagious remains a mystery.
How controversial is Morgellons disease?
Current attitudes toward Morgellons disease fall into various categories:
* Some health professionals believe that Morgellons disease is a specific condition likely to be confirmed by future research.
* Some health professionals believe that signs and symptoms of Morgellons disease are caused by another condition, often mental illness.
* Other health professionals don't acknowledge Morgellons disease or are reserving judgment until more is known about the condition.
Some people who suspect Morgellons disease claim they've been ignored, criticized as delusional or dismissed as fakers. In contrast, some doctors say that people who report signs and symptoms of Morgellons disease typically resist other explanations for their condition.
How can you cope with the signs and symptoms of Morgellons disease?
The signs and symptoms linked to Morgellons disease can be distressing. Even though health professionals disagree about the nature of the condition, you deserve compassionate treatment. While research continues, take positive steps to manage your signs and symptoms.
* Establish a caring health care team. Find a doctor who acknowledges your concerns and does a thorough examination. Since Morgellons disease often requires frequent follow-up visits, a local health care team may be most convenient.
* Be patient. Your doctor will likely look for known conditions that point to evidence-based treatments before considering a diagnosis of Morgellons disease.
* Keep an open mind. Consider various causes for your signs and symptoms, and follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment — which may include long-term mental health therapy.
* Seek treatment for other conditions. Get treatment for anxiety, depression or any other condition that affects your thinking, moods or behavior.
* Keep track of the latest news about Morgellons disease. Supplement the information you find online with articles published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Remember that some sources are more reputable than are others.
To learn more about Morgellons disease or to report suspected cases of Morgellons disease, call the CDC Morgellons information and voice mail line at 404-718-1199.
Morgellons disease is mysterious and controversial. Here you'll find answers to common questions about Morgellons disease — and suggestions for coping with it.
Morgellons disease is a mysterious skin disorder characterized by disfiguring sores and crawling sensations on and under the skin. Although Morgellons disease isn't widely recognized as a medical diagnosis, experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating reports of the condition.
If you suspect that you have Morgellons disease, you may have many questions about the condition. Here's what you need to know about Morgellons disease, including practical tips for managing your signs and symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of Morgellons disease?
The Morgellons Research Foundation lists six primary signs and symptoms of the condition:
* Skin lesions accompanied by intense itching
* Crawling sensations on and under the skin, often compared to insects moving, stinging or biting
* Fatigue significant enough to interfere with daily activity
* Inability to concentrate and difficulty with short-term memory
* Behavioral changes
* Fibers — which can be white, blue, green, red or black — in and on the lesions
These signs and symptoms might appear along with changes in vision, stomach pain or other gastrointestinal symptoms, and changes in skin texture and pigment.
Morgellons disease shares characteristics with various recognized conditions, including attention-deficit disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder and a mental illness involving false beliefs about infestation by parasites (delusional parasitosis).
How long has Morgellons disease been around?
In 1674, English physician and writer Sir Thomas Browne used the term "Morgellons disease" to describe "black hairs" emerging from childhood skin lesions. Today, the Morgellons Research Foundation doesn't claim that the disorder described by Browne is the same as Morgellons disease. Rather, the foundation adopted the term as a convenient label for a set of signs and symptoms.
How widespread is Morgellons disease?
Reports of Morgellons disease have been made in every state in the United States and 15 countries around the world. Most reported cases are clustered in Calfironia, Texas and Florida.
What do researchers know about Morgellons disease?
Beyond anecdotal reports, researchers know little about Morgellons disease. The Morgellons Research Foundation reports no known causes of Morgellons disease and no successful treatment for the condition. Whether Morgellons disease is contagious remains a mystery.
How controversial is Morgellons disease?
Current attitudes toward Morgellons disease fall into various categories:
* Some health professionals believe that Morgellons disease is a specific condition likely to be confirmed by future research.
* Some health professionals believe that signs and symptoms of Morgellons disease are caused by another condition, often mental illness.
* Other health professionals don't acknowledge Morgellons disease or are reserving judgment until more is known about the condition.
Some people who suspect Morgellons disease claim they've been ignored, criticized as delusional or dismissed as fakers. In contrast, some doctors say that people who report signs and symptoms of Morgellons disease typically resist other explanations for their condition.
How can you cope with the signs and symptoms of Morgellons disease?
The signs and symptoms linked to Morgellons disease can be distressing. Even though health professionals disagree about the nature of the condition, you deserve compassionate treatment. While research continues, take positive steps to manage your signs and symptoms.
* Establish a caring health care team. Find a doctor who acknowledges your concerns and does a thorough examination. Since Morgellons disease often requires frequent follow-up visits, a local health care team may be most convenient.
* Be patient. Your doctor will likely look for known conditions that point to evidence-based treatments before considering a diagnosis of Morgellons disease.
* Keep an open mind. Consider various causes for your signs and symptoms, and follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment — which may include long-term mental health therapy.
* Seek treatment for other conditions. Get treatment for anxiety, depression or any other condition that affects your thinking, moods or behavior.
* Keep track of the latest news about Morgellons disease. Supplement the information you find online with articles published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Remember that some sources are more reputable than are others.
To learn more about Morgellons disease or to report suspected cases of Morgellons disease, call the CDC Morgellons information and voice mail line at 404-718-1199.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Morgellons Disease: The First Victim to Become ‘Symptom-Free’ Shares Her Story of Triumph
This compassionate story is revealed for the first time by a victim who suffered with Morgellons disease for nearly 10 years.
[ClickPress, Fri Mar 02 2007] Connie M shares a story that surely all Morgellons sufferers can relate to. A story of her struggled for many years trying desperately to get help from the medical community for an insidious disease, only to be told that she has 'Delusions of Parasitosis' or DOP and that it is 'all in her head'.
Morgellons Disease is so new that it's not even recognized by the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) as a disease. They have promised to investigate Morgellons since June of last year, but has yet to begin their investigation.
Morgellons is a horrific disease where the victim feels as though there are animals crawling under their skin and biting them constantly. Lesions bearing strange multi-colored fibers form all over their bodies. These fibers appear to be “silica based”, while all life as we know it is “carbon based”. Furthermore, these fibers do not begin to burn until they reach 1700 degrees F, leading to all sorts of rumor and speculation about their origin. Sufferers also experience chronic fatigue and 'Brain Fog' so severe, that most victims not only spend 10 to 20 hours a day sleeping, but they also can't remember what they said 2 minutes ago. These symptoms are almost always accompanied by depression and hopelessness which is intensified by the tendency for the medical community to draw a conclusion without conducting adequate research, and has lead several sufferers to suicide.
Connie's heroic story is one of fortitude and commitment to finding an effective treatment before even knowing the name of this debilitating affliction. Through a friend who's involved in the distribution of a product that's used in third world countries to purify drinking water, they stumble upon an extremely effective treatment. Connie tells of the struggles, the pain and ultimately arriving at a point where she could say “I am now symptom-free!”
Morgellons disease is reported in every state in the United States, and in most other countries, predominantly the UK, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand along with many parts of Asia.
It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people in the US and millions around the world are infected by Morgellons.
The Medical Profession has already decided that it is 'all in the victims head' and Morgellons does not exist. This is precisely what the early AIDS patients experienced 25 years ago.
“If not for the Internet, I don't know where these people could go for support”, says Jeff Sohler, founder of MorgellonsHope.com, one of many websites dedicated to the disease. “I would say that Morgellons is the “First Internet Disease”, and that the Internet will not only provide a “support structure” for victims, but will also be the vehicle that “raises awareness” of Morgellons. This will help change the way the people, and more notably, the medical community perceives the disease, which is the first step to finding a cure.”
Connie's video can bee seen at www.MorgellonsHope.com.
MorgellonsHope.com is an on-line Community dedicated to supporting sufferers of Morgellons Disease. The site features Articles, Videos, Blogs, Galleries, a Forum, GeoMap, Research and much more.
Jeff Sohler
MorgellonsHope.com
Read the original article here
[ClickPress, Fri Mar 02 2007] Connie M shares a story that surely all Morgellons sufferers can relate to. A story of her struggled for many years trying desperately to get help from the medical community for an insidious disease, only to be told that she has 'Delusions of Parasitosis' or DOP and that it is 'all in her head'.
Morgellons Disease is so new that it's not even recognized by the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) as a disease. They have promised to investigate Morgellons since June of last year, but has yet to begin their investigation.
Morgellons is a horrific disease where the victim feels as though there are animals crawling under their skin and biting them constantly. Lesions bearing strange multi-colored fibers form all over their bodies. These fibers appear to be “silica based”, while all life as we know it is “carbon based”. Furthermore, these fibers do not begin to burn until they reach 1700 degrees F, leading to all sorts of rumor and speculation about their origin. Sufferers also experience chronic fatigue and 'Brain Fog' so severe, that most victims not only spend 10 to 20 hours a day sleeping, but they also can't remember what they said 2 minutes ago. These symptoms are almost always accompanied by depression and hopelessness which is intensified by the tendency for the medical community to draw a conclusion without conducting adequate research, and has lead several sufferers to suicide.
Connie's heroic story is one of fortitude and commitment to finding an effective treatment before even knowing the name of this debilitating affliction. Through a friend who's involved in the distribution of a product that's used in third world countries to purify drinking water, they stumble upon an extremely effective treatment. Connie tells of the struggles, the pain and ultimately arriving at a point where she could say “I am now symptom-free!”
Morgellons disease is reported in every state in the United States, and in most other countries, predominantly the UK, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand along with many parts of Asia.
It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people in the US and millions around the world are infected by Morgellons.
The Medical Profession has already decided that it is 'all in the victims head' and Morgellons does not exist. This is precisely what the early AIDS patients experienced 25 years ago.
“If not for the Internet, I don't know where these people could go for support”, says Jeff Sohler, founder of MorgellonsHope.com, one of many websites dedicated to the disease. “I would say that Morgellons is the “First Internet Disease”, and that the Internet will not only provide a “support structure” for victims, but will also be the vehicle that “raises awareness” of Morgellons. This will help change the way the people, and more notably, the medical community perceives the disease, which is the first step to finding a cure.”
Connie's video can bee seen at www.MorgellonsHope.com.
MorgellonsHope.com is an on-line Community dedicated to supporting sufferers of Morgellons Disease. The site features Articles, Videos, Blogs, Galleries, a Forum, GeoMap, Research and much more.
Jeff Sohler
MorgellonsHope.com
Read the original article here
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Morgellons: Medical Mystery Revisited
Morgellons: Medical Mystery Revisited
There's nothing out of the ordinary when you first meet the Houchins family. But then, ordinary really is only skin deep
Roy Houchins started noticing changes in his body about 3 years ago...
"You try to sleep at night, you can't sleep,” he said. “The inside of your ears, your eyes, there's biting and stinging as well. You look for things and you can't find anything."
He dropped 40 pounds in just two months. He stopped sleeping, his vision began to blur and even more bizarre, he says he felt bugs crawling under his skin.
"I actually had a piece of a bug that came out of my foot,” he said.
Read the rest of the article here
There's nothing out of the ordinary when you first meet the Houchins family. But then, ordinary really is only skin deep
Roy Houchins started noticing changes in his body about 3 years ago...
"You try to sleep at night, you can't sleep,” he said. “The inside of your ears, your eyes, there's biting and stinging as well. You look for things and you can't find anything."
He dropped 40 pounds in just two months. He stopped sleeping, his vision began to blur and even more bizarre, he says he felt bugs crawling under his skin.
"I actually had a piece of a bug that came out of my foot,” he said.
Read the rest of the article here
Monday, February 5, 2007
Morgellons Disease - Skin Care Article
Causes of Eczema on Hands and Effective Treatment
By Dane Bergen
One of the most annoying forms of eczema is atopic eczema on hands. In this area it can get very irritating indeed. With the constant use of the hands, and their easy reaching access, the itching can become unbearable, and scratching the itch can become a habit which leads to a very severe rash in some people, and often times spreads up the forearms of the person affected.
Eczema on hands is one of the most common places to have breakouts of eczema. This is because the hands are a very dry area of skin on the body. Other area’s include the elbows, knee’s, ears and face. These are also some of the most visible area’s that other people will notice which is why eczema is such a troubling disease and can lead to lowered self esteem and lack of confidence which is at times a far worse side effect than the eczema itself, because even when the eczema is cured, this lower self esteem and lack of confidence can stick around for years, and even a lifetime, which is why it should be treated the best way possible as soon as possible.
Discovering that you have eczema on hands is often one of the first signs of the onset of a worse eczema epidemic, so if you have itchy hands, and suspect that it could be eczema on hands, go and see your doctor straight away to get the correct tests done to have it properly diagnosed so treatment can start before the problem gets worse, because eczema on hands has a tendency to get worse quite quickly without proper attendance and treatment.
The treatment of eczema usually begins with professional doctors treatment. Commonly the patient goes to visit a dermatologist (skin specialist) and some tests are run to determine the type of eczema and the severity and from this point a plan of attack can be made to target the eczema to try and relieve the discomfort and possibly get rid of it completely. If this does not work, or not with the effectiveness that the patient envisioned, they generally turn to other methods, such as holistic treatment, natural treatment or home remedies which many only provide a placebo effect, however some have been shown to provide significant relief.
If you see eczema on hands of someone you know or if you have it yourself, go and visit a doctor and take the required steps for treatment before the problem escalates. This is a very important point – do it as soon as possible as urgency is the key to effective treatment.
By Dane Bergen
One of the most annoying forms of eczema is atopic eczema on hands. In this area it can get very irritating indeed. With the constant use of the hands, and their easy reaching access, the itching can become unbearable, and scratching the itch can become a habit which leads to a very severe rash in some people, and often times spreads up the forearms of the person affected.
Eczema on hands is one of the most common places to have breakouts of eczema. This is because the hands are a very dry area of skin on the body. Other area’s include the elbows, knee’s, ears and face. These are also some of the most visible area’s that other people will notice which is why eczema is such a troubling disease and can lead to lowered self esteem and lack of confidence which is at times a far worse side effect than the eczema itself, because even when the eczema is cured, this lower self esteem and lack of confidence can stick around for years, and even a lifetime, which is why it should be treated the best way possible as soon as possible.
Discovering that you have eczema on hands is often one of the first signs of the onset of a worse eczema epidemic, so if you have itchy hands, and suspect that it could be eczema on hands, go and see your doctor straight away to get the correct tests done to have it properly diagnosed so treatment can start before the problem gets worse, because eczema on hands has a tendency to get worse quite quickly without proper attendance and treatment.
The treatment of eczema usually begins with professional doctors treatment. Commonly the patient goes to visit a dermatologist (skin specialist) and some tests are run to determine the type of eczema and the severity and from this point a plan of attack can be made to target the eczema to try and relieve the discomfort and possibly get rid of it completely. If this does not work, or not with the effectiveness that the patient envisioned, they generally turn to other methods, such as holistic treatment, natural treatment or home remedies which many only provide a placebo effect, however some have been shown to provide significant relief.
If you see eczema on hands of someone you know or if you have it yourself, go and visit a doctor and take the required steps for treatment before the problem escalates. This is a very important point – do it as soon as possible as urgency is the key to effective treatment.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Skin Care for Morgellons Sufferers -- Using Coconut Oil as a Treatment For Eczema
From a Nurse-Using Coconut Oil as a Treatment For Eczema
By Helen Hecker
Sometimes one has to resort to alternative, natural eczema treatment methods to get the best cure or results for their eczema problem. And often it's a better choice, due to less exposure to drugs and chemical-laden products.
It should always be the first treatment to consider when you want to take the best care of your skin.
First of all, eczema and dermatitis are often referring to the same thing in the medical world. They cover a variety of inflammations of the most outer portion of the skin. There are three different, broad types of eczema.
The type of eczema depends on the cause and where it occurs on the body. The types are basically, allergies, rashes, and nutritional deficiencies. The eczemas include atopic, dyshidrotic and nummular eczema.
Naturally you'll want to eliminate any internal cause of eczema as in non-contact allergies, rashes, and nutritional deficiencies.
For local causes of eczema such as contact dermatitis, you want to avoid having your skin come into contact with the offending item.
It could be jewelry, perfumes, chemicals in any cosmetics, shellac in mascara, lipstick, nickel, lotions, soaps, fabric softener sheets, pesticides from contact around the mouth, latex gloves, etc.
I'm assuming here that you already have a diagnosis of eczema.
The best thing I've found to heal eczema is extra virgin coconut oil. It works better than eczema creams, which are usually chemical-laden products, whether for babies, teens or adults.
Make sure you're working on eliminating the cause of your eczema, whether internal or external, which we won't go into here.
Extra virgin coconut oil has helped many I know to help heal the skin. Ultimately, of course, the immune system and body do the healing if you were to do nothing, but coconut oil can speed up the process.
If you also have acne it'll treat acne too and is better than most chemical acne products.
You want to make sure you get the extra virgin type that is not refined, bleached or deodorized. You can order it online.
Whole food-type markets are carrying more coconut oil, in pint and quart jars and especially the extra virgin coconut oil. Get the organic kind if you can.
Coconut oil cures many other skin conditions and skin disorders too, besides making the skin soft and smooth. I use it for everything including as a make-up remover and under my foundation. My skin is always soft, silky, smooth, and free of rashes, bumps, blemishes, blisters, etc.
It stops itching and flaking too.
Coconut oil is very inexpensive therefore, a good, cheap home remedy. Keep it around to treat any other skin problem. It's actually healthy to eat too. It's a plant saturated fat, not an animal saturated fat.
I add two big tablespoons to my smoothies, to help my skin from the inside out too, and have been doing so for many years.
Although we refer to it as coconut oil, it isn't actually oil until the temperature climbs above 77 degrees. It can be applied when it is in the oil-state or non-oil state.
To apply the extra virgin coconut oil, massage it deep into the affected area. You can heat it if you like but you don't have to. Depending on how severe the eczema is, apply it three or four times a day or more and especially at bedtime.
It's important to keep the area moist with the oil. You may have to apply a loose bandage to your skin, soaked with the oil. If the eczema is on your hands, you'll have to apply it even more often.
Also you can expose the area to direct sunlight for 20 minutes or so each day. You'll get your daily dose of vitamin D that way too.
Many have used coconut oil as a treatment to cure or heal their eczema or their baby's eczema.
It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times each day and at bedtime.
And your eczema and its symptoms, providing you've removed the cause, should go away. Continue using coconut oil and good clear skin will be your reward.
By Helen Hecker
Sometimes one has to resort to alternative, natural eczema treatment methods to get the best cure or results for their eczema problem. And often it's a better choice, due to less exposure to drugs and chemical-laden products.
It should always be the first treatment to consider when you want to take the best care of your skin.
First of all, eczema and dermatitis are often referring to the same thing in the medical world. They cover a variety of inflammations of the most outer portion of the skin. There are three different, broad types of eczema.
The type of eczema depends on the cause and where it occurs on the body. The types are basically, allergies, rashes, and nutritional deficiencies. The eczemas include atopic, dyshidrotic and nummular eczema.
Naturally you'll want to eliminate any internal cause of eczema as in non-contact allergies, rashes, and nutritional deficiencies.
For local causes of eczema such as contact dermatitis, you want to avoid having your skin come into contact with the offending item.
It could be jewelry, perfumes, chemicals in any cosmetics, shellac in mascara, lipstick, nickel, lotions, soaps, fabric softener sheets, pesticides from contact around the mouth, latex gloves, etc.
I'm assuming here that you already have a diagnosis of eczema.
The best thing I've found to heal eczema is extra virgin coconut oil. It works better than eczema creams, which are usually chemical-laden products, whether for babies, teens or adults.
Make sure you're working on eliminating the cause of your eczema, whether internal or external, which we won't go into here.
Extra virgin coconut oil has helped many I know to help heal the skin. Ultimately, of course, the immune system and body do the healing if you were to do nothing, but coconut oil can speed up the process.
If you also have acne it'll treat acne too and is better than most chemical acne products.
You want to make sure you get the extra virgin type that is not refined, bleached or deodorized. You can order it online.
Whole food-type markets are carrying more coconut oil, in pint and quart jars and especially the extra virgin coconut oil. Get the organic kind if you can.
Coconut oil cures many other skin conditions and skin disorders too, besides making the skin soft and smooth. I use it for everything including as a make-up remover and under my foundation. My skin is always soft, silky, smooth, and free of rashes, bumps, blemishes, blisters, etc.
It stops itching and flaking too.
Coconut oil is very inexpensive therefore, a good, cheap home remedy. Keep it around to treat any other skin problem. It's actually healthy to eat too. It's a plant saturated fat, not an animal saturated fat.
I add two big tablespoons to my smoothies, to help my skin from the inside out too, and have been doing so for many years.
Although we refer to it as coconut oil, it isn't actually oil until the temperature climbs above 77 degrees. It can be applied when it is in the oil-state or non-oil state.
To apply the extra virgin coconut oil, massage it deep into the affected area. You can heat it if you like but you don't have to. Depending on how severe the eczema is, apply it three or four times a day or more and especially at bedtime.
It's important to keep the area moist with the oil. You may have to apply a loose bandage to your skin, soaked with the oil. If the eczema is on your hands, you'll have to apply it even more often.
Also you can expose the area to direct sunlight for 20 minutes or so each day. You'll get your daily dose of vitamin D that way too.
Many have used coconut oil as a treatment to cure or heal their eczema or their baby's eczema.
It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times each day and at bedtime.
And your eczema and its symptoms, providing you've removed the cause, should go away. Continue using coconut oil and good clear skin will be your reward.
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