| Morgellon's disease is a very rare and mysterious skin | | | | The CDC refers to this condition as Unexplained |
| condition that has been reported recently in the US | | | | Dermopathy. Present research is inconclusive and the |
| and a number of other countries. It is characterized | | | | CDC states that it is unknown as to whether this is a |
| by itchy, painful skin lesions and a creepy-crawly | | | | new condition or whether individuals claiming to have |
| sensation of fibers growing from inside the skin. | | | | Morgellons have some shared basis for the |
| Patients commonly complain of a feeling that insects | | | | symptoms they display. While it is not known |
| are crawling under their skin and are stinging or biting | | | | whether the condition is contagious, studies have |
| them. Other symptoms include fatigue, memory loss, | | | | shown that the disease is more likely to impact |
| visual impairment, and difficulty concentrating. Due to | | | | members of the same family. |
| some of these strange symptoms, many patients | | | | Treatment |
| purported to be victims of this disease have been | | | | Because so little is know regarding this disease, there |
| incorrectly diagnosed as having a psychiatric disorder. | | | | is no conclusive cure or course of treatment. Some |
| Cases of Morgellon's disease have been reported in all | | | | dermatologists regard Morgellons as a delusional |
| 50 states of the US (mostly in Texas and Florida), | | | | condition and prescribe anti-psychotic drugs like |
| Canada, Australia, and the UK. | | | | Pimozide, which also helps reduce the itching |
| At present, most physicians and dermatologists within | | | | sensation that patients experience. Other physicians |
| the medical community hold the view that Morgellon's | | | | may prescribe antibiotics and anti-parasitic |
| disease is not a new disease but is simply a new | | | | medications. Patients convinced that they have |
| name for known medical conditions. In some cases | | | | Morgellon's often reject that their condition is |
| these are known skin disorders like scabies, allergic | | | | delusional and look for alternative means of |
| dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. Nevertheless, the | | | | treatment on websites and discussion groups. As |
| Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has bowed to | | | | with any disease, however, the best form of |
| pressure from the Morgellon Research Foundation | | | | treatment is simply to contact a qualified physician |
| and a growing number of claimed Morgellon patients | | | | who understands the symptoms and follow his or her |
| and are currently investigating the condition further. | | | | instructions. |