Morgellon's Disease and Tickborne Disease Links.....No it isn't "Psychosomatic"....

Morgellons Disease is a controversial, multisystem condition thought to be triggered by tickborne illnesses. Lyme disease, Bartonella and Babesia appear to be the main culprits. Morgellons Disease is not well understood but thought to be a triggered systemic immune response producing crawling sensations under the skin, neuropathic pain, fatigue, dermatitis, slow healing skin wounds, and restless leg syndrome. A hallmark symptom is production of red, blue and black threadlike filaments primarily consisting of keratin and collagen proteins. As you can imagine, a whopping dose of emotional distress is also associated.

Thankfully, Morgellons Disease is quite rare with 1000 US documented cases per year. Sadly, the CDC still classifies this condition as a “delusional infestation primarily found in middle-aged women”.

Despite the rarity of this condition, there are currently 4 cases in my practice, none are middle-aged women, and all suffer from Lyme with subsequent coinfections.

A comprehensive approach is necessary for diagnosis and treatment with Lyme Disease being the common denominator of Morgellons Disease.

Initial testing should include the following:

Borrelia all species

C pneumonia

Babesia all species

Bartonella all species

M pneumonia

Ehrlichia

Rickettsia

All viruses

Helminths, Toxocara canies, Ascaris Suum.

Additional testing for immune function should include:

Rheumatological panels

Autoimmune panels

Toxicities,

Endocrine function

Inflammatory panels

Treatment will depend upon infectious entities discovered along with anti-inflammatory support, immune support, detoxification and pain relief utilizing conventional and alternative methods.

So how do you know if you are suffering from Morgellons Disease?

The initial phase or acute onset includes spontaneous, slow-healing ulcers to the body. Patients experience intense itching and crawling sensations under the skin. Many will note to have microscopic filaments within the skin lesions. These filaments may be multicolored or fibrous in appearance.

The chronic phase appears to be more constitutional in nature. Chronic fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, GI upset, numbness, burning and tingling to extremities, behavioral and mood changes, migratory pain and flu-like symptoms that cycle.

The right blend of comprehensive treatment can resolve many symptoms while mitigating others.

Understand that you should not endure lifelong suffering from this “psychosomatic” disease and treatment is available to manage symptoms.

Be Well!

Somer

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Treatment Guidance for Bartonella