Mysterious Morgellons Disease

Researchers Find No Physical Explanation For Delusional Infestation.

CNN /Health.com reported that, according to a study published online May 16 in the Archives of Dermatology, physicians now have "firm proof that...infestations -- known as delusional parasitosis or delusional infestation -- are not real." Patients who suffer from the problem "feel a constant creepy-crawly sensation beneath their skin, which they believe is due to bugs, worms, or eggs below the surface." The article also noted, "The CDC recently completed its own study of the condition, which the agency refers to as unexplained dermopathy, but the results have not yet been published."

        For the study, investigators performed skin biopsies and examinations on 108 "patients convinced that bugs, worms, or germs had invaded their skin," HealthDay reported. Notably, "the majority of the skin samples showed signs of dermatitis and other skin conditions, such as ulceration or inflammation. Only one skin sample revealed an insect with infestation potential -- a pubic louse."

        WebMD (5/16, Mann) reported that dermatologist Donald S. Waldorf, MD, "has developed his own approach to treating these patients," many of whom simply do not want to believe they are suffering from a psychiatric disorder. "Waldorf will often prescribe topical agents to prevent infections from scratching and may suggest steroids to reduce inflammation." If necessary, he may even prescribe an antipsychotic. In the case of many of these patients, he explained that if he told them to consult a psychiatrist, "I will have lost them, so I basically give them support and prevent infection."

        Reuters (5/17, Pittman) notes that delusional infestation is also referred to as Morgellons Disease. MedPage Today (5/16, Walsh) also covered the story.

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