(2018). Morgellons disease remains a controversial topic among researchers and healthcare professionals, as there is little information about the condition. Figure 1B: Lesions on back of Case 2. Despite the use of gloves to avoid scratching, her lesions persisted and she was unable to work in her garden or hold her grandchildren due to pain in her hands and joints. Note punctate lesions with ragged edges in bottom picture. These filaments have not been matched with known textile fibers, and dye-extracting solvents have failed to release coloration; the fibers are also very strong and heat resistant [4,5]. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Most often, tick-borne infections like Lyme disease have been associated with MD. People living with Morgellons disease may also develop slow-healing ulcers on their skin. The lesions were punctate with ragged edges and healed slowly, leaving visible scarring. The authors thank Drs. Morgellons Disease (MD) is a multi-system illness uniquely characterized by the formation of unusual fibers within the skin. The effect of spirochetes on keratinocyte function may also play a role in altered keratin production associated with MD and BDD [22,25,26]. Morgellons disease is a rare skin condition involving the appearance of black, white, red, or blue fibers underneath or protruding from the skin. Specimens were illuminated either superior or posterior to the specimen. Review/update the We avoid using tertiary references. Figure 3B: Red and blue fibers embedded in skin from Case 2 (100x magnification). Currently, there are no standard treatments or products known to cure MD. Indeed, people with Morgellons have battled disbelief and dismissal from doctors. Further, one researcher in this group has been previously accused of scientific misconduct. In preliminary studies using scanning electron microscopy, the presence of scales on a blue filament indicated that this specimen was a fine hair (DAlba L and Shawkey MD, unpublished observation, December 2011). Further immunohistological and electron microscopy studies are needed to solve the mystery of Morgellons filaments. 7% of lyme patients have morgellons and don't even know it! The coloring of the filaments is not well understood but research has shown that the blue filaments contain granules of melanin. However, a 2018 review of relevant studies indicated Morgellons may have a more physical cause, which could make it contagious. Top: Staining with anti-CK AE1/ AE3. You may also see it referred to as a type of delusional infestation. Antibiotic therapy led to improvement in the fatigue and musculoskeletal pain, but the skin lesions persisted. Differences between the keratinocytes found in the inner root sheath of hair follicles and keratinocytes found in the basal skin layer may account for the differences of location, structure, coloring and size of fibers seen in this study [32,33]. ", Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus cereus group. Krooks JA, et al. This material was also tested for fluorescence under UV light. There are no standard treatment guidelines for Morgellons disease. But if you were. Biopsies from cattle with BDD were kindly provided by Dr. Dorte Dopfer, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Introduction Morgellons syndrome aka filamentous biofilm infection Patients also demonstrate a higher than expected percentage of positive laboratory findings for other tick-borne diseases, suggesting the possible involvement of coinfecting pathogens [10]. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Morgellons disease: Managing an unexplained skin condition, Skin rashes or sores that can cause intense itching, Crawling sensations on and under the skin, often compared to insects moving, stinging or biting, A belief that fibers, threads or black stringy material is in and on the skin. Additional research is necessary to determine the cause of MD well as the most optimal ways to treat it. People living with Morgellons disease may also. Thus MD filaments and BDD filaments appear to be similar in formation at the cellular level, both originating from keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum or stratum basale. In this case, the fibers in the MD lesions were actually found to be from the environment and not the body. PHASE ONE MICROBIOLOGY REPORT - Morgellons Disease Neuropsychiatric testing was normal in two cases and influenced by the disease in the third case, and all three patients were examined by a medical practitioner who confirmed the presence of fibers underneath unbroken skin compatible with a diagnosis of MD. In a more recent 2018 study involving 1,000 people with Lyme disease, 6% of these individuals had Morgellons disease and tested positive for B. burgdorferi. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. The choice to use any treatments posted on the web site is strictly left to the individual. Case 1: Microscopic examination revealed a wide range of filaments in various stages of formation ranging from early stages that demonstrated either single or clusters of hyaline, tentacle-like projections with tapered ends (tentacle diameter approximately 5 m) to macroscopic masses or mats of tangled fibers (approximately 1 mm diameter) (Figures 2A-2H). These structures had tapered ends with bases originating at a central point and were found in groups anchored to a dried dermal matrix. Copyright Recen t Morgellons disease research has found ample evidence that a patient's symptoms stem from the body's reaction to a bacterial infection. We provide chemical, light microscopic and immunohistological evidence that filaments associated with this condition originate from human epithelial cells, supporting the hypothesis that the fibers are composed of keratin and are products of keratinocytes. Lighted microscopy (60-x minimum) enables the visualization of these unusual fibers, often-colored red, blue, black, white or clear, embedded in open skin lesions as well as their presence beneath intact skin. Biopsy of a lesion on her leg revealed hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis without evidence of infection or vasculitis. Clusters of early filaments described in Case 1 demonstrate that fibers are anchored and growing from a basal epithelial cell matrix. Morgellons disease is an unexplained skin condition. "This causes them to fire without appropriate cause, and it's natural that people interpret this as a sensation of insects crawling on the skin," she said. The observation of unusual filaments forming in lesions is not unique to humans afflicted with MD. Long isolated colored filaments, filament fragments, balls, and clumps of fibers (red, blue, black and green) were also observed, but were not attached to or growing from epithelial tissue. Too much sun exposure, smoking, allergic reactions, and even lip sucking can lead to. Adv Nurse Pract 13: 16-17. Game 5 projected lineup: These Rangers have been under the microscope before. You need to use a 60x micro microscope with a light. He was treated with antidepressants without benefit. The signs and symptoms linked to Morgellons disease can be distressing. information submitted for this request. Another idea is that MD occurs as an effect of an infection. 62 likes. 0:29. Longer filaments were close to 1 mm in length. MD is still a rather mysterious and poorly characterized condition. A 2012 study evaluated 147 individuals who presented at the Mayo Clinic for diagnosis and treatment of a reported infestation. Testing for Lyme disease was indeterminate in 2006, and treatment with doxycycline was given for one month without benefit. BDD is an emerging disease afflicting cattle and is characteristically associated with unusual filament formation in skin above the hooves [11]. While some doctors and scientists believe MD to be infection-based, others think it may be purely psychological. The disease is diagnosed based on patient history and visible fibers. "They're not alive," said Rutz, referring to rumors circulating on Morgellons message boards that the fibers are insects -- or even alien matter. (2018). Some are temporary, but others are permanent and more serious. Lyme disease-like symptoms in MD such as neurological disorders and joint pain are evidence of systemic involvement [1,2,7] . Morgellons disease is a condition characterized by a belief that parasites or fibers are emerging from the skin. The CDC did a study of 115 people with Morgellons, which the CDC refers to as an unexplained dermatopathy. Textile fibers have never been produced in this manner, and the suggestion that these unusual formations are manufactured textile fibers is not credible. Red and green fibers displayed striking iridescence (Figure 2G, Figure 2H) but fluoresced with less intensity than the blue and white fibers. Our chemical studies suggest that MD filaments and BDD fibers react to caustic agents in a manner similar to normal hair, although MD filaments appeared to be more susceptible and BDD fibers less susceptible to the caustic agents Table 1. EyeClops BioniCam Morgellons Fibers The results of keratin immunostaining experiments are shown in Figure 6. He extracted fibers from his facial lesions, but new ones appeared. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. For example, some doctors may recommend antibiotic therapy if they believe that an individuals condition is due to a bacterial infection or tick-borne illness. solutions to multicellularity: a tale of biofilms, filaments and Despite evidence demonstrating that an infectious process is involved and that lesions are not self-inflicted, many medical practitioners continue to claim that this illness is delusional. Smaller, pale purple fibers (10 m diameter) appeared to form a mesh around the follicle. Morgellons disease is an emerging multisystem illness characterized by unexplained dermopathy and unusual skin- associated filament production. "It O'Callaghan D, et al. Morgellons Disease: A Chemical and Light Microscopic Study Oaklander said the CDC study ruled out the possibility of insects or infections in Morgellons, opening the door for research into nerve damage and possible treatments. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. What is Morgellons Disease | The Charles E. Holman Foundation In their review, researchers noted that the fibers often present in the lesions are not textile referring to synthetic material but actually originate from cells deeper in the skin. Still, more research is needed to determine the connection between these conditions. He began to notice painful fibers coming out of the skin on his face, head and other hirsute areas, and he could not sleep because the fibers were so painful. Researchers were able to identify 115 individuals with self-reported MD within an area of Northern California. The distinguishing characteristic of Morgellons is the presence of microscopic subcutaneous fibers. If a healthcare professional finds fiber-like material in the skin lesions, they may send a sample to a laboratory for further analysis. However, other researchers claim Borrelia burgdorferi the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease causes or has associations with Morgellons disease. Because the fibers can be red, green, blue, white, or black, they may look like microscopic fibers from clothing. However, textile fibers were noted in the dermal layer of the biopsy specimen. One sample revealed fibers tangled around a hair and these fibers may have been associated with the hair follicle (Figure 3C). Of these, 20 percent reported having fibers on or in their skin. Learn how Lyme disease is diagnosed and treated, and learn how, Anxiety and itching often occur together. Filters and microscope (wet and dry) slide mounts were examined under a phase contrast microscope (40 x to 4000 x) and under an UV (360 nm) light source. He is reluctant to see any more physicians about his skin condition (Figure 1C). We thank Dr. Robert B. Allan for technical support and Lorraine Johnson for manuscript review, and we are grateful to Harriet Bishop, Cindy Casey and Lee Laskowsky for providing first-hand information about Morgellons disease. Canucks Under the Microscope: Anthony Beauvillier NHL Writer. There are many skin disorders. Suitable, effective treatment options for MD are still unknown. Dermarolling, aka microneedling, is the art of erasing unwanted acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Both psychological and infectious causes have been proposed. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. The intense itching and sores associated with Morgellons disease can severely interfere with a person's quality of life. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND Note punctate appearance of open lesions and scarred appearance after healing. Note erythematous base with ragged edges. Results of the experiments are shown in (Table 1) Normal hair and patient filaments began to fray after incubation for 1 minute, and the patient filaments had completely disintegrated after incubation for 120 minutes in 12% sodium hypochlorite. But is jock itch contagious? 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Morgellons is not an official diagnosis. Objective clinical evidence of disease has been demonstrated by its association with peripheral neuropathy, delayed capillary refill, decreased body temperature, tachycardia, elevated pro-inflammatory markers, cytokine release, selective immune deficiency and elevated insulin levels, suggesting that an infectious process is involved [8,9]. Morgellons Syndrome aka Filamentous Biofilms (Updated 2021). Clinically significant depression was the next most common finding (11 percent). 2021; doi:10.5070/D327854682. Figure 2E: Blue filament with bulb-like end (50 m diameter) similar to a hair follicle from Case 1 (100x magnification). Small research studies have tried to determine the cause and effective treatment for Morgellons disease. http://f1000research.com/articles/2-25/v1, http://schaechter.asmblog.org/schaechter/2008/02/why-do-bacteria.html, Motions Hyaline, red, blue, and light purple fibers were observed (10-40 m diameter) (Figure 3A, Figure 3B). In contrast, the filaments stained weakly with the more restrictive antibody AE5/AE6 directed against cytokeratin 5/6. Topical steroids had no effect. The following three case studies provide further evidence supporting this hypothesis. (2016). Our study demonstrates that Morgellons disease is not delusional and that skin lesions with unusual fibers are not self-inflicted or psychogenic. The disease is characterized by unexplained dermopathy associated with formation of unusual filaments found both subcutaneously and emerging from spontaneously appearing, slow-healing skin lesions [1]. DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, MJM, EHR and RBS serve without compensation on the scientific advisory panel of the Charles E. Holman Foundation. JAMA Dermatology. Many hairs were flattened or tape-like on cross-section rather than concentric. Game 5 projected lineup: Rangers have been under the microscope before People should work with a trusted healthcare professional, especially if they have a condition that doctors have limited knowledge of, as is the case with Morgellons disease. On some hairs red or blue colored filaments branched from the shaft (Figure 4D). Human hair was not fluorescent nor was normal skin. Wymore RS (2011) Morgellons disease research; shotgun DNA analysis, PCR, microscopy and spectroscopy. The predominant cells found in pavement epithelial tissue are keratinocytes. (2017). Borgmann JE, Bailey J, Clark EG (1996) Spirochete-associated bovine digital dermatitis. We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze our traffic. Click here for an email preview. Management of Morgellons disease with low-dose trifluoperazine. Beuerlein KG, et al. Does Morgellons affect certain demographic groups more than othersmen . Morgellons Disease (MD) is a multi-system illness uniquely characterized by the formation of unusual fibers within the skin. *It is important to note that some patients have no lesions, but do have visible fibers within or protruding from unbroken skin when seen with a lighted, handheld microscope at 60x 100x. Forty percent of participants showed significant improvement when a treatment plan that focused both on treating the skin lesions as well as addressing mental health was used. Floral-like formations of early-stage filaments were observed in some samples that were collected on different dates and years (Figure 2A). health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Case 3: Microscopic examination was performed with particular attention to hair follicles, as the patient had reported unusual filament formation associated with the follicles. Morgellons under the Microscope. This roundup covers our top picks for best scar creams, from the best overall to creams for postsurgery, old scars, and fading discoloration. (2012). 2021-2022 Copyright Charles E. Holman Foundation. 63 likes. Some samples revealed fibers that lay beneath or penetrated dermal tissue Figure 3D. According to the authors, the woman reported having skin lesions on her arms, hands, and chin, which had lasted for 2 months. German Psychiatric manifestations can include anxiety, depression, new onset of panic attacks, changes in behavior and personality. Phase 1: Recovery of Morgellons-Related Particles . Since many people with MD have anxiety or depression as well, your treatment may also include mental health medications or counseling. See additional information. The controversy and lack of understanding around the disease can also make it difficult to get treatment. In short, jock itch can spread between, Dark lips are often the result of hyperpigmentation. caused by Bacillus subtilis macrofibresresult in new forms of This finding suggests that some of the colored fibers of follicular origin may in fact be modified hairs. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The primary symptoms of MD are multicolored fibers appearing under the skin or emerging from sores that are slow to heal. People may wish to contact their doctor if they: Morgellons disease is a rare and poorly understood condition that causes chronic skin wounds that can contain black, white, red, or blue fibers. morgellons, ncs, neuro cutaneous syndrome, Dr. Omar Amin, bio, biting, black specs, chronic fatigue delusional parasitosis,crawling, fibers, fibromyalgia, fungus, gmo . Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. Spontaneouslyappearing, slow-healing lesions*, Seed-like objects/ granules and black specks on/in skin, Fine, thread like colored fibers beneath and/or extruding from the skin, Brain fog and diminished higher cognitive abilities, General malaise; intense, life-impacting pain. Morgellons disease: insights into treatment. In conclusion, MD lesions were not caused by self-mutilation or delusions in the three cases presented here. Delusional infestation. Morgellons filaments have been photographed growing from pavement epithelial cells, and this process resembles the evolution of filaments seen in BDD. People with Morgellons disease deserve compassionate treatment, even though health care providers may disagree about the nature of the condition. as the only cause of Morgellons? Because of persistent fatigue, musculoskeletal pain and her history of tick exposure, the patient was evaluated for Lyme disease in 2004 and had positive testing for B. burgdorferi and Ehrlichia chafeensis. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. Morgellons disease is characterized by colored filaments embedded in the skin and protruding from painful skin lesions . This content does not have an English version. Although the larger BDD fibers appeared to be more resistant to the chemicals, fraying and shape change similar to the human samples was evident at 120 minutes with each caustic agent. Some believe that the microscopic fibers in MD are produced by the body. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. The team performed clinical evaluations, analyzed skin and blood samples, and reviewed the medical history of each participant. They are clearly biological and human in nature and are not implanted textile fibers. Staining with AE1/ AE3 was seen over the length of the fiber, while staining with AE5/ AE6 was only detected in the outermost scale. Morgellons is not an official diagnosis. People with MD often report feeling stinging, crawling, or burning sensations on their skin. The reverse side of some of these specimens revealed a layer of pavement epithelial cells (Figure 2B). A doctor who does not see any protruding fibers can look for fibers under the skin with an EyeClops BioniCam microscope. Morgellons under the Microscope - Posts | Facebook Fibers were observed in the lesions and under intact skin on her hands using a 60x handheld microscope. Morgellon under the microscope - YouTube 0:00 / 1:10 Morgellon under the microscope Forever Lasting 37 subscribers Subscribe 19 Share 2.2K views 5 years ago This is a blood sample. Vet Rec 130: 59-60. She never saw an EM rash. 0:02. Over half of them (54 percent) rated their overall health as fair to poor. RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATION BILL, 2008. Of those with Morgellons disease, 77% had at least one additional infection. privacy practices. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. Ultimately, doctors will base their diagnosis on physical examination and laboratory tests. For the chemical experiments, samples of normal hair, filaments from Cases 1 and 2 and BDD fibers were studied for reactivity to three caustic agents: sodium hypochlorite 12%, sodium hydroxide 10%, and potassium hydroxide 10%. Normal hair was still visible at this timepoint. BDD in cattle is associated with hyperkeratosis, keratin filament formation and spirochetal infection [12-20]. Individuals may have better treatment outcomes when they develop a good working relationship with a doctor. Treatment of Morgellons disease with doxycycline. Fact check: A video of a swab used for COVID-19 tests does not show Untreated infections can potentially develop into sepsis. The Mystery of Morgellons Disease | SpringerLink Figure 3A: Red and blue fibers in skin samples from Case 2 (100x magnification). Canucks Under the Microscope: Conor Garland Canucks: Elias Pettersson isn't going to the world championships Support our journalism: Our in-depth journalism is possible thanks to the support of . Vincent Z. Mercogliano. Patients with Morgellons may shed unusual appearing particles from the skin described as fibers, sand or seed-like, black specks, or crystalized particles. As a result, a person with the condition should live a typical lifespan according to their overall health. With the aid of a 60 hand-held digital microscope, a network of blue fibers under the skin of . People who have Morgellons disease report the following signs and symptoms: The research on Morgellons by multiple groups over decades has yielded conflicting results. Dissolution of fibers was assessed by fraying, loss of shape and/or disintegration at each timepoint. The MD filaments from Case 1 stained strongly with the pankeratin antibody AE1/AE3 directed against cytokeratin 1/3. Filaments stemming from the bulb end were found in some follicles and these appeared as rootlike growths (Figure 4B). For decades now, physicians across the world have been telling their patients with a straight face that their Morgellons symptoms are solely psychological in nature. "It was important to rule out an infectious cause because a lot of people were concerned about transmission.". Mayo Clinic; 2021. On the other hand, some patients refute the notion that a neurological problem could be to blame for their distressing physical symptoms. Figure 5A: Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) sample showing coarse fibers (8x magnification). information highlighted below and resubmit the form. The presence of individual filaments attached to epithelial tissue is consistent with keratin and suggests that the filaments are produced by keratinocytes. Another common symptom is the feeling of burning, stinging, or crawling on the skin. The sensations were accompanied by painful skin lesions. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. Hyperkeratosis and excessive keratin production associated with chronic inflammation has been demonstrated in humans with cholesteatoma [23,24],and alterations in keratinocyte expression of HLA markers and tissue enzymes have been reported in association with Bb infection [25,26]. He had pulled ticks off his dog, which also became ill at the same time. According to a 2018 study, a person should develop a strong relationship with their doctor to develop a holistic approach that will address both physical and psychological needs as necessary. Additional symptoms of MD include: The lack of understanding about MD has led to controversy around the condition. Morgellons disease is an emerging multisystem illness characterized by unexplained dermopathy and unusual skin- associated filament production. NEWARK - Adversity is not a foreign concept for these Rangers. For example, the authors of a 2015 study found B. burgdorferi in 24 out of the 25 participants with Morgellons disease. Early floral-shaped clusters were brightly fluorescent. It will blow up one of your organs, leaving you in bed for a year." So it's new, frightening and profoundly odd. Some information and images about biofilm Overall, controversy around the MD is ongoing. Rather, it's a collection of unexplained symptoms including abnormal sensations that sufferers describe as the feeling of insects crawling on the skin. The patient is a 49-year-old registered nurse who had numerous tickbites while hiking, camping and horseback riding in Missouri, Texas and Northern California over more than a decade. Some patients do not experience the intense itching. These MD patterns have been recognized in prior studies [1,2] and we propose a classification of localized MD versus disseminated MD based on the distribution of the dermopathy. What are the symptoms of Morgellons disease? Many follicles contained malformed bulbs with distorted shapes, and some follicles had two or more hairs branching from a single inner root sheath (Figure 4A). Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The time lapse video covers a period of approximately six hours and compresses the time into approximately one minute with 30 frames. The patient continues to suffer from crawling sensations, skin lesions, musculoskeletal pain, disabling fatigue and depression. Figure 4B: Hair follicle from Case 3 showing filaments stemming from bulb end (100x magnification). The cause is unknown, but research suggests that it is a reaction to the misuse, Pityriasis rosea is a largely benign skin rash that often appears to be more severe that it actually is. Biopsy material from proliferative late stage BDD was examined for comparison to MD samples with 8x magnification under a dissecting microscope. Support groups may be online or in-person, and a couple of examples include: Talking with others who have MD may help you better explain the disease to your family, friends, and doctor. The collected samples were examined by bright-field microscopy at 100x magnification.