Identification

• Morgellons is a mysterious and poorly understood skin disease or condition which has yet to be confirmed as an actual illness or disease. According to the Morgellons Research Foundation, persons who suffer from the disease often report frustration from a lack of physicians willing to identify or validate their symptoms. All 50 states and many countries throughout the world have reported incidences of persons (children and adults) suffering from Morgellons disease.
  
  

Reported Symptoms

• Symptoms of Morgellons disease are associated with crawling sensations on or under the skin, feelings of pain and severe itching and skin lesions or eruptions. One of the most notable and often reported symptoms of Morgellons are of thin filament like fibers coming out of the skin or skin lesions; these fibers are reported to be in colors ranging from white, blue, red or black and intense pain is felt if the fibers are touched or pulled. Fatigue, joint pain and gastrointestinal symptoms have also been reported.
  
  

Possible Causes

• Causes of Morgellons disease have not been conclusively identified, and some physicians associate the symptoms of the illness with underlying psychological causes. However, people who suffer from symptoms of this disease firmly believe that the disease has a physiological cause. The Morgellons Research Foundation states that Morgellons symptoms suggest the disease could be caused by an immune deficiency illness which leaves the human body open to infections from fungal or parasitic agents which could be causing the symptoms.
  
  

Considerations

• Many physicians believe that persons who are suffering from Morgellons are in fact suffering from a known but undiagnosed illness (e.g. immune condition) or underlying psychological conditions such as delusional parasitosis. A complete examination, psychological evaluation and blood tests are often recommended for persons experiencing Morgellons symptoms. MayoClinic.com suggests that persons with Morgellons see a physician as soon as possible and keep an open mind about their diagnosis and other possible causes of their illness.
  
  

CDC Recommendations

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting an investigation to try to find out more about Morgellons symptoms, routes of infection and possible causes of this condition. Persons who are suffering from Morgellons disease or who believe family members may have the disease are encouraged to contact the CDC. The CDC warns consumers from purchasing any products which claim to treat or cure Morgellons and recommends persons talk with their physician about their symptoms instead.