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Morgellons Disease: What You Need to Know About Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Morgellons disease is a complex and often misunderstood condition that I’ve been treating for over 20 years. It’s marked by painful skin lesions that may contain colored fibers, and despite the severity of the symptoms, it’s frequently misdiagnosed. As a Seattle-based Lyme disease doctor, I’ve seen how infections like Lyme disease, Babesia, and Bartonella often contribute to Morgellons symptoms. This article aims to provide clarity on Morgellons disease, its potential causes, and the treatment options that have proven effective for my patients. For more information about my practice and approach to healing, visit my website.

Caption: Medical Minutes with Dr Marra, Episode 21 Morgellons Disease

What Is Morgellons Disease?

Morgellons disease is a debilitating skin condition characterized by painful, deep skin lesions that often contain visible colored fibers. These fibers are typically made up of keratin and collagen, though we still don’t fully understand why they appear in the skin. In my practice, I’ve seen more than 14,000 families affected by this condition, and it’s clear that Morgellons are real — despite the fact that traditional medicine has been slow to recognize it.

Key Symptoms of Morgellons Disease

  • Painful Skin Lesions: Often ulcerated and difficult to heal.
  • Colored Fibers: Visible within the lesions, usually composed of keratin and collagen.
  • Itching and Crawling Sensations: Many patients experience a sensation of movement under the skin, which adds to the distress.

Misdiagnosis: Why Morgellons Disease Is Often Not Taken Seriously

One of the biggest challenges with Morgellons disease is that it’s frequently misdiagnosed. Traditional doctors may incorrectly label it as “delusional parasitosis,” a psychiatric disorder, which is simply not the case. I’ve seen firsthand how this misunderstanding can make patients feel dismissed or ignored, which only adds to their suffering. Morgellons disease is a physical condition with identifiable symptoms, not a mental health issue.

What Causes Morgellons Disease?

Through my extensive experience, I’ve found that many patients with Morgellons disease test positive for several infections, including:

These infections, coupled with certain genetic factors, appear to be key contributors to the development of the painful skin lesions seen in Morgellons disease. However, the exact cause of Morgellons remains a mystery, and more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.

Current Research on Morgellons Disease

There is a Morgellons Research Foundation, led by Cindy Casey, RN, who has been a tireless advocate for patients with this condition. Cindy herself suffers from Morgellons, which has given her a unique perspective on the disease. The foundation works to raise awareness and secure funding for research, although this has proven to be a challenging task.

If you’re looking for more information, I highly recommend watching the YouTube documentary Skin Deep, which sheds light on the struggles Morgellons patients face in convincing traditional doctors that this disease is real. Some progress is being made in research, particularly by scientists at Oklahoma State University, but there’s still much more to learn.

Diagnosing Morgellons Disease: What You Should Know

At present, there is no definitive skin test to confirm Morgellons disease. However, we can visualize the colored fibers under a high-powered microscope. In some cases, the fibers seem to move when a patient holds a starchy substance, such as a potato, in their hand. This suggests that the fibers could be linked to organisms that feed on sugar, though this idea is still not scientifically proven.

Effective Treatment for Morgellons Disease

In my 20+ years of treating Morgellons disease, I’ve found that a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach works best. Although treatment can be lengthy, often taking months or even years, my patients have seen significant improvement with a combination of therapies.

1. Antibiotics and Antiparasitics

The right combination of antibiotics and antiparasitic medications is often crucial in treating Morgellons disease. Here are a few that have worked for many of my patients:

  • Doxycycline (combined with Methylene Blue)
  • Ivermectin and Albenza
  • Dapsone Skin Cream

2. Topical Treatments for Skin Lesions

Topical creams can be effective for reducing inflammation and helping to heal the skin lesions. Anti-inflammatory dietary changes are also important in managing the condition.

3. Detoxification

Detoxing the body can support overall healing. I recommend strategies like staying hydrated, sweating, and using gentle detox methods to help rid the body of toxins, including mycotoxins.

4. Nutritional Support

Nutritional support is essential in helping the body heal from Morgellons disease. Key supplements that I recommend include:

  • Probiotics
  • Vitamin D
  • Curcumin
  • MSM
  • Fish Oil

These nutrients help support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote skin healing.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment from Dr. Susan Marra

I’ve seen firsthand how effective the right treatment can be in healing skin lesions and addressing the underlying infections that cause Morgellon disease. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, please don’t hesitate to contact us or call 206-299-2676. Together, we can create a personalized treatment plan to help you heal and regain your quality of life.

Disclaimer The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in these videos is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen, read, or heard in these videos.

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