### What is Morgellons Disease? Morgellons is a controversial and poorly understood skin condition where unusual thread-like fibers appear under the skin. People with this condition often feel like something is crawling, biting, or stinging their skin. ### Why is it Controversial? Medical experts are divided on the cause of Morgellons. Some believe it is a physical illness, while others think it is a psychological condition known as 'delusional parasitosis,' where a person believes they are infested with parasites. The CDC calls it an 'unexplained dermopathy,' meaning a skin condition with no known cause. ### Symptoms - Unpleasant skin sensations - Thread-like fibers in the skin - Other symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, and memory problems ### Research and Findings The CDC conducted a study and found that Morgellons is most likely to affect middle-aged white women. The study also found that many patients had other health issues like depression and drug abuse. The fibers found in the skin were mostly cotton, likely from clothing or bandages. The CDC concluded that the sores were due to long-term scratching and picking at the skin. ### Other Theories Some researchers have suggested links between Morgellons and Lyme disease or hypothyroidism, but there is no conclusive evidence. A similarity to a condition in cattle called bovine digital dermatitis has also been noted. ### Treatment There is no cure for Morgellons. Treating other medical or psychiatric conditions may help alleviate symptoms. The Mayo Clinic recommends psychiatric evaluation for patients. ### Impact on Life Morgellons can significantly affect quality of life, leading to social isolation, difficulty focusing on work, and potential skin infections from constant scratching. ### Managing Morgellons Dealing with Morgellons can be stressful. It's important to adopt a management plan to cope with both the physical and emotional symptoms.