Ring worm, also spelled “ringworm,” is a fungal infection that can be found on the surface of the skin. The infection earned the name ring worm because it was earlier thought that the infection was caused by an actual worm. This is not the case. Ring worm or “tinea” (which means “growing worm” in Latin), is caused by a fungus that creates a ring on the skin. The ring happens to look like a worm.

Ring worm remains on the surface of the skin, hair or nails until treated and it does not invade other parts of the body, such as the insides or mucus membranes. Ring worm does, however, thrive in moist, warm conditions on the skin, such as the areas around the groin and between the toes. It is very easy to catch ring worm in places such as locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.

There are eight types of ring worm including:

• Tinea barbae
• Tinea capitis
• Tinea corporis
• Tinea cruris
• Tinea faciei
• Tinea manus
• Tinea unquium
• Tinea pedis

Tinea barbae affects the beard and the face; Tinea capitis affects the scalp and it is more common in children; Tinea corporis affects the skin of the body; Tinea cruris (or jock itch) affects the folds of the groin down to the thighs; Tinea faciei affects the face (not the beard); Tinea manus affects the hands and Tinea unquium affects the toenails and the fingernails by turning them thick, yellow, and crumbly. Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) affects the feet, especially between the toes. Tinea pedis is the most persistent type of ring worm of them all. Fortunately, even the most persistent types of ring worm are treatable.

If you notice rashes, rings on the skin or scaly patches on the skin, you might have ring worm. A doctor will diagnose the condition through one or more methods. The condition may be diagnosed by sight or the doctor might collect skin scrapings to view under a microscope. In addition, doctors might use a method that involves collecting a culture of the affected skin.

Depending on the type of ring worm, your doctor may prescribe oral medication, topical medication or both. The most effective topical anti-fungal treatments are creams that include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole or terbinafine. Cruex cream, Desenex cream, Lotrimin cream, lotion, and solution contain clotrimazole; Nizoral cream contains ketoconazole; Monistat-Derm cream contains miconazole; and Lamisil cream and solution contains terbinafine.

For severe cases of ring worm, oral medications may be necessary. Some of the most common antifungal tablets include: griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin, and Gris-PEG), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and terbinafine (Lamisil). Griseofulvin is one of the oldest antifungal medications available. Some feel that is unsafe (taxing on the liver) and not as effective as the newer medications. When used as prescribed, however, physicians consider older and newer oral medications safe.

Morgellons Disease is quite different than ring worm and currently there is no cure. If you have what appear to be very thin worms crawling underneath the skin; black threadlike materials on the skin; or black specks or materials on the clothing, you may have “Morgellons Disease.” According to the The Morgellons Research Foundation (MRF), “Morgellons is an unexplained and debilitating condition that has emerged as a public health concern. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have received an increased number of inquiries from the public, health care providers, public health officials, Congress, and the media regarding this condition.” Individuals that may be afflicted by this condition “report a range of coetaneous symptoms including:

• Crawling
• Biting and stinging sensations
• Granules, threads or black speck-like materials on or beneath the skin
• Skin lesions (rashes or sores)
• Fatigue
• Mental confusion
• Short term memory loss
• Joint pain
• Changes in vision

According to MRF, more significant than skin symptoms, in terms of the diminished quality of life of the individual with this illness, are symptoms unrelated to skin, to include Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia (ME), joint pain, and significant problems with concentration and memory. Remarkably, not all people with Morgellons Disease have overt skin lesions, as some individuals report intact skin. The troubling sensations and accompanying physical structures, are the consistent clues to this infectious process.

In addition, the MRF states that the “fibers,” (which have yet to be identified), associated with skin lesions can be described as coenocytic (aseptate), smooth-walled, branching, filamentous objects. The elongated fibers are often twisted into balls or what appear to be bundles of fibers, as they grow within the skin. Many people refer to these bundles as fiber balls, fuzz balls, or lint balls. The fibers are clearly hyphae-like structures, and yet, do not fall within the description of known hyphae or pseudohyphae. The fibers are most often white, but are also consistently seen as blue, black, and rarely red. -Morgellons Research Foundation

Morgellons cases can be found across the U.S., but 24% of all families registered with the Morgellons Research Foudnation reside in the state of California. The Morgellons Research Foundation (MRF) has received registrations from people reporting this condition from all fifty U.S. states and 45 other countries. MRF has received the most registrations from other countries such as Canada, Australia, England, South Africa, and the Netherlands. To date, more than 13,000 families have reported that they suffer from this disease.

Treatment for Morgellons Disease

As stated earlier, there is no cure for Morgellons, but doctors are attempting to treat the condition with antibiotics that address one or more candidate infectious bacteria or protozoa. In addition, the MRF states that, “most Morgellons patients, if found positive for Chlamydophila pneumonia, a Babesia species or a Borrelia species pathogenic to humans and given appropriate antibiotics long enough, resolve most symptoms.”

Morgellons Treatment Success Stories

Other clinicians have likewise prescribed antibiotics. Dr. Raphael Stricker, a Lyme disease specialist in San Francisco, sees a handful of Morgellons patients–all of whom have tested positive for chronic Lyme disease. He thinks that Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria behind Lyme disease, has set his patients up for another, as-yet-unidentified, infection. And Dr. George Schwartz, a Santa Fe, N.M., trauma specialist, treats his patients with antibiotics targeted to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia–a usually harmless waterborne bacterium–and says he’s seen them improve in only 48 hours. -Popular Mechanics, June 2005 Issue

If you have symptoms of Morgellons, talk to your doctor or dermatologist immediately. If your doctor seems to be at a loss, contact The Morgellons Research Foundation for help. They might be able to locate a physician that can help or provide information about clinical trials or studies that you might be able to participate in. For further write or email:

The Morgellons Research Foundation
PO BOX 357
Guilderland, NY 12084-0357
Email: contactus@Morgellons.org
Website: www.morgellons.org

Worms in Humans

At any given time, the human body may be infected with dozens of different types of parasites, such as worms. Some parasites are microscopic while other worms in humans are quite visible to the naked eye. Certain types of parasites are found more often in animals, for example, the bloodworm typically infects horses. Other types of parasites may affect humans more often. In all, there are more than 3,200 types of parasites in existence today and they are divided into the following categories: Cestoda, Nematoda, Protozoa, and Trematoda.

Just a few of the different types of parasites that may infect humans include: tapeworms, (Cestodes); hookworms, pinworms, and roundworms (Nematodes); giardia (Protozoa); and flat worms, (Trematoda).

The most common type of worm in humans is the roundworm. It is estimated that one in every four humans is infected with roundworms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that parasites rarely cause any serious (or fatal) complications in Europe and North America. No matter what type of worm the human body may be infected with, whether it’s a bloodworm that somehow made its way into the human digestive system (extremely rare) or a roundworm, the vast majority of parasites cause some of the same unpleasant symptoms. Symptoms of parasites or worms in humans may include:

Loss of appetite
Abdominal discomfort
Rashes
Insomnia
Eye pain
Protein deficiency
Gas
Constipation
Mental dullness
Fever
Coughing
Nervousness
Vomiting
Nausea
Anemia
Stomach bloating
Bloody stools
Weakness
Chills
Diarrhea
Fatigue

It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms are also common symptoms for many other diseases and conditions, so its best to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis. A physician will test for parasites by taking a feces sample and examining it for parasites and/or eggs. Fortunately, the vast majority of parasites can be eliminated by using some of the same methods or by ingesting some of the same types of medications or antibiotics.

Parasites can be eliminated from the body through the use of colon cleansers and/or colonics, several rounds of antibiotics or medications as prescribed by a physician, and/or by utilizing a number of different herbal or natural remedies. It’s best to consult an herbalist for the very best herbal remedies to get rid of worms in humans. That said, there are several popular (and effective) remedies consisting of the following combinations of herbs and ingredients:

·Black walnut leaves, wormwood, quassia, cloves, male fern
·Capsicum, wormwood, sage
·Cramp bark, pumpkin seed, capsicum, thyme, garlic
·Black walnut, pine needles, sassafras

In general, herbal remedies should be taken orally for a minimum of two weeks.

Some individuals may complain of re-infection. It is very important to change your eating habits immediately if you suspect a parasite or worm infection. It’s best not to go back to your regular eating habits in order to prevent re-infection. Certain foods, spices, and beverages might help to ward off parasite infections or to keep you from becoming infected through food or water sources. These include:

Cranberry juice
High-fiber foods
Pumpkin seeds
Garlic
Pomegranates
Apple cider vinegar
Figs
Bottled or distilled water
Thoroughly cooked meats and seafood
Organic fruits and vegetables, washed thoroughly

Avoid the following foods and activities if at all possible:

Undercooked meats
Chestnuts
Sugar
Watercress
Refined carbohydrates
Swimming in lakes, rivers, an streams
Using the microwave to cook meats

And finally, never underestimate the power of clean hands! You should always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom whether it is in your home or in a public place. In addition, wash kitchen utensils and countertops with hot soapy water after each use and wear gloves when changing your cats litter box or cleaning up after your pets.

• Crawling
• Biting and stinging sensations
• Granules, threads or black speck-like materials on or beneath the skin
• Skin lesions (rashes or sores)
• Fatigue
• Mental confusion
• Short term memory loss
• Joint pain
• Changes in vision

According to MRF, More significant than skin symptoms, in terms of the diminished quality of life of the individual with this illness, are symptoms unrelated to skin, to include Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia (ME), joint pain, and significant problems with concentration and memory. Remarkably, not all people with Morgellons Disease have overt skin lesions, as some individuals report intact skin. The troubling sensations and accompanying physical structures, are the consistent clues to this infectious process.

In addition, the MRF states that the “fibers,” (which have yet to be identified), associated with skin lesions can be described as coenocytic (aseptate), smooth-walled, branching, filamentous objects. The elongated fibers are often twisted into balls or what appear to be bundles of fibers, as they grow within the skin. Many people refer to these bundles as fiber balls, fuzz balls, or lint balls. The fibers are clearly hyphae-like structures, and yet, do not fall within the description of known hyphae or pseudohyphae. The fibers are most often white, but are also consistently seen as blue, black, and rarely red. -Morgellons Research Foundation

Morgellons cases can be found across the U.S., but 24% of all families registered with the Morgellons Research Foudnation reside in the state of California. The Morgellons Research Foundation (MRF) has received registrations from people reporting this condition from all fifty U.S. states and 45 other countries. MRF has received the most registrations from other countries such as Canada, Australia, England, South Africa, and the Netherlands. To date, more than 13,000 families have reported that they suffer from this disease.

Treatment for Morgellons Disease

There is no cure for Morgellons, but doctors are attempting to treat the condition with antibiotics that address one or more candidate infectious bacteria or protozoa. In addition, the MRF states that, “most Morgellons patients, if found positive for Chlamydophila pneumonia, a Babesia species or a Borrelia species pathogenic to humans and given appropriate antibiotics long enough, resolve most symptoms.”

Morgellons Treatment Success Stories
Ginger Savely, a nurse practitioner in Austin, Texas, says she has treated 35 patients with symptoms. “Everyone tells the exact same story,” she says. “It’s just so consistent.” Savely prescribes her patients a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics. “If I knew what I was dealing with,” she says, “it would be easier to treat.” Yet, she says, her patients improve within weeks.

Other clinicians have likewise prescribed antibiotics. Dr. Raphael Stricker, a Lyme disease specialist in San Francisco, sees a handful of Morgellons patients–all of whom have tested positive for chronic Lyme disease. He thinks that Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria behind Lyme disease, has set his patients up for another, as-yet-unidentified, infection. And Dr. George Schwartz, a Santa Fe, N.M., trauma specialist, treats his patients with antibiotics targeted to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia–a usually harmless waterborne bacterium–and says he’s seen them improve in only 48 hours. -Popular Mechanics, June 2005 Issue

If you have symptoms of Morgellons, talk to your doctor or dermatologist immediately. If your doctor seems to be at a loss, contact The Morgellons Research Foundation for help. They might be able to locate a physician that can help or provide information about clinical trials or studies that you might be able to participate in. For further write or email:

The Morgellons Research Foundation
PO BOX 357
Guilderland, NY 12084-0357
Email: contactus@Morgellons.org
Website: www.morgellons.org

About Guinea Worm

Also called, dracunculiasis (pronounced: dra-KUNK-you-LIE-uh-sis), Guinea worm is a parasitic worm infection that occurs mainly in Africa. In fact, more than half of all cases of Guinea worm disease are reported from the southern Sudan region. Each year, 1,000 cases of Guinea worm disease are also reported in countries such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Togo, and Uganda. Countries where less than 1,000 cases of the disease are reported include: Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Mauritania, and Senegal.

Guinea worm is more common in poor rural African villages that are not frequented by tourists. While the infection occurs mostly in Africa, the disease can also be found in Yemen, and some of the most remote villages in the Rajastan desert of India.

What causes Guinea worm?

A threadlike parasitic worm that grows and matures inside the human body causes guinea worm. The worm is called Dracunculus medinensis. Dracunculus medinensis is as thin as a paper clip and it can grow up to a staggering three feet long. Once the larvae mature inside the human body, the Guinea worm exits the body through a painful blister in the skin. This can cause long-term suffering and oftentimes, crippling aftereffects.

How is Guinea worm contracted?

People may become infected with Guinea worm after drinking standing water that contains a tiny water flea. The flea might be infected with the tiny larvae of the Guinea worm. The tiny larvae pierce the intestinal, mature into adulthood, then mate during the course of a year. Once the males die off, the female makes her way through the body where she will grow up to as much as three feet. The female will eventually end up near the surface of the skin, typically in the lower limbs.

Symptoms of Guinea worm

Guinea worms cause intense swelling and painful, burning blisters. In most cases, the infected will seek out water to soothe the pain. In poor rural African villages, “water” usually means nearby ponds and wells. Once the sufferer enters the water, the blisters will burst and the worm will emerge releasing millions of new larvae into the water. Once the larvae have been released into the water, tiny water fleas then swallow them and the vicious cycle starts all over again.

Other symptoms of Guinea worm include: fever and infection. Most symptoms of Guinea worm do not develop until a year after a person has ingested contaminated water.

Guinea worm diagnosis and treatment

Guinea worm can be detected by sight. The adult worm can be seen protruding from a skin sore. While there is no cure for Guinea worm or medications to prevent infection, there are several methods to remove the worms. The Guinea worm can be removed a little at a time by winding it around a small stick and pulling it out. In some cases, the process will take only a few days, in others it might take a few weeks or even a few months. In some cases, Guinea worm can be surgically removed before the actual wound begins to swell. Antibiotics and antihistamines may be used to reduce swelling and make removal of the worm easier.

After a Guinea worm is removed, many people are left with permanent scarring and/or permanent crippling. Unfortunately, most people in infested villages will continue to contract Guinea worm disease year after year.

How to prevent Guinea worm

Guinea worm infection can be avoided by using only filtered water or water that has been obtained from a safe source. Even water from ponds and wells can be boiled and filtered through cloth to kill the Guinea worm larvae. Water can also be treated with a larvae-killing chemical. In addition, people with open Guinea worm wounds should stay away from ponds or wells that are used for drinking water.

About Hookworm

Hookworm or “Hook Worm” is an intestinal parasite that can infect humans and animals. The hookworm species most common to humans is Ancylostoma duodenale (an-cy-CLO-sto-ma doe-AH-den-al) and Necator americanus (ne-KAY-tor am-er-i-CON-us). These species can be found around the world, but are primarily found tropical or subtropical climates. In the United States, hookworm can be found in the Southeastern United States. While hookworm can be found in the Southeastern states, it is important to note that the species is very well controlled. This means that it is no longer a common occurrence in the U.S.

If you have a hookworm infection, you may have become infected from direct contact with contaminated soil, possibly by walking barefoot or you may have accidentally swallowed contaminated soil. Feces from an infected person or animal may contaminate soil or “night soil” (commonly used to fertilize crops) can carry hookworm eggs. If the conditions are warm and moist, the eggs will hatch into larvae.

The larvae are not visible to the naked eye. So if you’re walking barefoot through the soil, you will not see the larvae on your feet. According to OptumHealth, “the larvae will bore through the skin and ride through the lymph circulation to the right side of the heart. The larvae are then pumped into the lungs. There they bore into the tiny air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. Their presence within the lungs usually causes enough irritation to produce coughing. The larvae are coughed up into the throat and mouth, and are then swallowed and passed into the small intestine.” The journey typically takes a week. Once the larvae reach the small intestine, they develop into half-inch-long worms. They attach themselves to hosts intestinal wall and they suck the blood, usually between 0.03-0.2 ml of blood per day. A single adult worm can live for up to 14 years in the infected person’s intestine.

Children have the highest risk of hookworm infection because they play in the dirt and they are barefoot more often than adults. Fortunately, hookworm is not spread person to person. Symptoms of hookworm include:

• Rash
• Itching
• Anemia
• Abdominal Pain
• Diarrhea
• Loss of Appetite
• Tiredness
• Difficulty Breathing
• Weight Loss

Severe hookworm infections can cause stunted growth and mental development, protein deficiency, and congestive heart failure.

If you think you may have hookworm, contact a physician immediately. The physician will take a stool sample to identify hookworm. Once a diagnosis is made, your physician will prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection. Treatment typically lasts 1-3 days. If you have anemia as a result of hookworm infection, your physician may prescribe iron supplements.

The best way to prevent hookworm is to refrain from walking barefoot in soil. It’s best not to make direct contact with soil using your hands as well. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly remove of any soil residue.

It is important to keep in mind that the vast majority of the more than 1.3 billion hookworm infections reported each year occur in underdeveloped countries. This does not mean that you cannot become infected if you live in say, France or the U.S. It just means that it is less likely to occur in countries such as these.

The most common type of human intestinal worm is the roundworm. It is estimated that one in every four humans is infected with roundworms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that parasites rarely cause any serious (or fatal) complications in Europe and North America. No matter what type of worm or how the worm ends up in the human body, whether it’s a bloodworm that somehow made its way into the human digestive system (extremely rare) or a roundworm, the vast majority of human intestinal worms may cause:

Loss of appetite
Abdominal discomfort
Rashes
Insomnia
Eye pain
Protein deficiency
Gas
Constipation
Mental dullness
Fever
Coughing
Nervousness
Vomiting
Nausea
Anemia
Stomach bloating
Bloody stools
Weakness
Chills
Diarrhea
Fatigue

It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms are also common symptoms for many other diseases and conditions, so its best to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis. A physician will test for parasites by taking a feces sample and examining it for parasites and/or eggs. Fortunately, the vast majority of parasites can be eliminated by using some of the same methods or by ingesting some of the same types of medications or antibiotics.

Parasites can be eliminated from the body through the use of colon cleansers and/or colonics, several rounds of antibiotics or medications as prescribed by a physician, and/or by utilizing a number of different herbal or natural remedies. It’s best to consult an herbalist for the very best herbal remedies to get rid of human intestinal worms. That said, there are several popular (and effective) remedies consisting of the following combinations of herbs and ingredients:

·Black walnut leaves, wormwood, quassia, cloves, male fern
·Capsicum, wormwood, sage
·Cramp bark, pumpkin seed, capsicum, thyme, garlic
·Black walnut, pine needles, sassafras

In general, herbal remedies should be taken orally for a minimum of two weeks.

Some individuals may complain of re-infection. It is very important to change your eating habits immediately if you suspect a parasite or worm infection. It’s best not to go back to your regular eating habits in order to prevent re-infection. Certain foods, spices, and beverages might help to ward off parasite infections or to keep you from becoming infected through food or water sources. These include:

Cranberry juice
High-fiber foods
Pumpkin seeds
Garlic
Pomegranates
Apple cider vinegar
Figs
Bottled or distilled water
Thoroughly cooked meats and seafood
Organic fruits and vegetables, washed thoroughly

Avoid the following foods and activities if at all possible:

Undercooked meats
Chestnuts
Sugar
Watercress
Refined carbohydrates
Swimming in lakes, rivers, an streams
Using the microwave to cook meats

And finally, never underestimate the power of clean hands! You should always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom whether it is in your home or in a public place. In addition, wash kitchen utensils and countertops with hot soapy water after each use and wear gloves when changing your cats litter box or cleaning up after your pets.

In all, there are more than 3,200 types of identifiable parasites or worms. These thousands of worms and parasites are divided into four categories including: Cestoda, Nematoda, Protozoa, and Trematoda. Just a few of the different types of parasites that may infect humans include: tapeworms, (Cestodes); hookworms, pinworms, and roundworms (Nematodes); giardia (Protozoa); and flat worms, (Trematoda).

The most common type of human worm is the roundworm. It is estimated that one in every four humans is infected with roundworms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that human worms rarely result in death in Europe and North America. No matter what type of worm the human body may be infected with, whether it’s a bloodworm that somehow made its way into your system (extremely rare) or a roundworm, the vast majority of human worms can cause some of the same unpleasant symptoms. Symptoms of human worms may include:

·Loss of appetite
·Abdominal discomfort
·Rashes
·Insomnia
·Eye pain
·Protein deficiency
·Gas
·Constipation
·Mental dullness
·Fever
·Coughing
·Nervousness
·Vomiting
·Nausea
·Anemia
·Stomach bloating
·Bloody stools
·Weakness
·Chills
·Diarrhea
·Fatigue

It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms are also common symptoms for many other diseases and conditions, so its best to consult your physician for an accurate diagnosis. Your physician will test for parasites by taking a feces sample and examining it for parasites and/or eggs. Fortunately, the vast majority of parasites can be eliminated by using some of the same methods or by ingesting some of the same types of medications or antibiotics.

Human worms can be eliminated from the body through the use of colon cleansers and/or colonics, several rounds of antibiotics or medications as prescribed by your physician, and/or by utilizing a number of different herbal/natural remedies. It’s best to consult an herbalist for the very best herbal remedies to get rid of human worms and other human parasites. There are, however, several popular and effective remedies consisting of the following combinations of herbs and ingredients:

·Black walnut leaves, wormwood, quassia, cloves, male fern
·Capsicum, wormwood, sage
·Cramp bark, pumpkin seed, capsicum, thyme, garlic
·Black walnut, pine needles, sassafras

Herbal remedies should be taken orally for a minimum of two weeks.

Some individuals may complain of re-infection. It is so important to change your eating habits immediately if you suspect a parasite infection and it’s best not to go back to your regular eating habits in order to prevent re-infection. There are certain foods, spices, and beverages that can help ward off parasite infections or keep you from becoming infected through food or water sources. These include:

·Cranberry juice
·High-fiber foods
·Pumpkin seeds
·Garlic
·Pomegranates
·Apple cider vinegar
·Figs
·Bottled or distilled water
·Thoroughly cooked meats and seafood
·Organic fruits and vegetables, washed thoroughly

Avoid the following foods and activities if at all possible:

·Undercooked meats
·Chestnuts
·Sugar
·Watercress
·Refined carbohydrates
·Swimming in lakes, rivers, streams
·Using the microwave to cook meats

And finally, never underestimate the power of clean hands. You should always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom whether it is in your home or in a public place; wash kitchen utensils and countertops with hot soapy water after each use; and wear gloves when changing your cats litter box or cleaning up after your pets.

This affliction is sometimes referred to as Morgellons worm, Morgellons disease, or “fiber disease.” In fact, a common characteristic appears to be cellulose type fibers that erupt from skin lesions on any part of the body. Under an ultraviolet light, these are fluorescent and appear in colors that include black, blue, and white. At the same times these fibers appear, black specks are often present. Other objects apparently emerge from the skin as well, including small granular or shard-like substances. Pores on unbroken skin can ooze with a tarry, black goo and some sores may present tentacle-like debris coming from underneath the surface.

The lesions are sometimes crater-like and can appear on the head, torso, limbs and extremities. They may begin as pimples, becoming progressively larger. Vision sometimes is involved and may become blurry. Worm-like threads can emerge, then burrow under the skin, leaving a sore that is slow to heal, if it does at all.

In addition to these Morgellons symptoms, other less-visible discomforts may occur. Many sufferers describe tingles and prickly skin as if there are worms or bugs navigating just below the surface. Some have even reported seeing physical movement along with actual crawling sensations.

In addition to these disturbing incidents, Morgellons patients, or “Morgies,” also endure a range of other conditions.
-A dull feeling as if in a “brain fog.”
-Change in hair texture; often becomes wiry.
-Constant feeling of fatigue.
-Excessive hair growth, especially in nose and ears.
-Inability to sense extreme temperatures, as with scalding water, for instance.
-Leathery skin.

Mentally, Morgellons can also mimic ADD/ADHD, cause or be a component of depression, and lead to extreme mood swings.

The professional stance remains that in most cases, a patient suffers from “delusional parasitosis.” Seeing and feeling creatures that don’t really exist is an accepted medical explanation, but this hallucinatory condition is certainly not true of all patients. Others are finding ties to Lyme disease and the presence of Borellia bacteria. They also believe that a lowered immunity leads to an infestation of sorts.

Due to the wide-ranging symptoms, Morgellons disease is gaining attention from the Centers for Disease Control. Authorities are eager to discover causes and especially to rule out any new and widespread contagious infection. With the focus on emerging diseases such as flesh-eating bacteria (necrotizing fasciitis), mad cow disease, and brain-eating amoeba, Morgellons and its symptoms deserve a closer look and, hopefully, a resolution.

Patients who fall under the Morgellons disease profile report a host of general symptoms. These include itching skin lesions that are similar to pimples. They may fester on their own and are often reinforced by scratching or picking at the wounds. Unusual sensations are reported, such as bugs crawling under the skin, through the hair, and in the ears.

Many people believe that Morgellons is carried by nematodes – microscopic parasitic worms – which invade their host and contribute to the feeling of bugs (or worms) crawling on and under the skin.

Fibers also erupt from the skin and at these points, black specks can also be detected. Many patients report that balled cocoon-like threads are produced from the sores or even unblemished skin. These, indeed, have been observed by knowledgeable medical specialists who report that the fibers can be white or a host of other colors. These threads “glow” when viewed in ultraviolet light. However, to date, the source has not been pinpointed. Some believe that these fibers may also be the worms themselves.

Often the fibers, worms, or other detritis from Morgellons is invisible to the naked eye, but can be observed under ultra-violet light.

Because of oft-invisible nature of the Morgellons worms and fibers, a diagnosis of psychosis often associated with Morgellons disease. Physicians and diagnosticians may treat the patient for Attention Deficit Disorder and Bipolar Disorder. A more common diagnosis is Delusional Parasitosis in which clinicians deduce that the patient is only “seeing” that which does not exist. A vast majority of physicians base this conclusion on proven textbook cases of mental delusions of parasitic infestations.

A host of other health issues accompany Morgellons disease, including chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, mental cloudiness, and the same bacterial manifestation as that found in Lyme disease.

There is little to prove whether the disease is contagious. Reports indicate that individuals may be the only infected person in a household while entire families are also dealing with symptoms that seem to have been contracted at the same time from an outside source.

The term Morgellons worm does not directly reflect on the disease itself. The name was applied based on similar cases in the 17th century in which fibrous “hairs” were reportedly erupting from the skin of young children. Morgellons was adopted for general use in reporting cases within the medical community and to attract governmental attention.

A worldwide community of support has developed and the formation of the Morgellons Foundation has brought a greater level of attention to this mysterious disease. While no absolute cures are offered, there is supposition that once certain skin immunity conditions are resolved, individuals may enjoy some relief from Morgellons worm.