The condition known as Morgellons disease is not well agreed upon by doctors. In fact, some bit of controversy exists over whether or not it is an actual disease. Some in the medical profession actually refer to it as a proposed condition. Surrounding the controversy are some interesting top facts that you should know.
The name Morgellons Syndrome is also fairly universally accepted by the medical community. Part of the reason for the differing names for this condition is that nobody really knows what causes it or how to cure it. The name itself comes under scrutiny because it is basically derived from a historical account of children with illness in France described by Sir Thomas Browne in 1690. The children were said to have hairs appear on their backs.
The first modern use of the name has been assigned to Mary Leito, whose son had a strange illness in 2001. His parents researched medical history until they came across the Browne account of morgellons. They decided that the symptoms were the same as those their son exhibited, so they used the same name. In 2002, Mrs. Leito founded the Morgellons Research Foundation, which exists to find a cure for the illness and to provide public education about it. Part of the argument over the name is simply that there is no certain evidence that links the 1620 illness with the modern versions.
Unfortunately for its victims, the disease is a set of uncomfortable sensations. Many patients develop itchy sores and rashes that spread over their bodies. Some find varied colors of fibers under or on their skin. They may feel as if bugs or worms are crawling under their skin, or they may experience feelings of being bitten by insects. Some may have aches and pains in their joints. Others may be extremely fatigued. Many have strong mood swings or become mentally disturbed by their physical discomforts.
Adding to the overall problems caused by this syndrome is the fact that it is very similar to other established diseases. The medical establishment has not totally accepted it as being a unique new disease. When pushed, doctors generally refer to it as delusional parasitosis. This recognized illness is characterized by patients who are convinced that their bodies are harboring parasites. Without treatment, they generally believe that the parasites are either growing larger inside them, or are increasing in number or type. But the name matters little to those that experience the pain and fear that accompany the illness. They generally feel helpless to fight off what they believe to be making them ill.
It is not good news to learn that physicians know that patients who have these symptoms will suffer for lack of comprehensive treatment. Some believe that the condition is chronic and infectious. Others believe that it is purely psychological. With no consensus over the disease, and the medical professionals who support the disease as valid opposed to those who do not, the patients are often treated with a variety of antibiotics used for similar symptoms or mental health treatments designed for similar psychological problems.
Though the Center For Disease Control has specified it as a probable disease, the work still continues to gather specimens and information from patients who develop its symptoms. Morgellons disease has been recorded as affecting 13,000 families with different combinations of its symptom set. For these patients, suffering continues. The Center shares information for patients, and for everyone in the general public who is interested in learning more about the syndrome. At the same time, donations are welcomed to be used for research. A course of treatment agreed upon throughout the medical profession has yet to be achieved.
Discover more about Morgellons disease research by going online. There you can find out what Morgellons is and so much more to help you out. Go online and discover more.