Morgellons disease: insights into treatment

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Morgellons disease presents as distressing, non-healing skin wounds, often with patients reporting foreign fibers.
• The etiology has historically been debated, ranging from infectious to psychiatric causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current treatments for Morgellons disease.
• To detail a clinical approach using pharmacotherapy and adherence techniques.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on Morgellons disease treatments.
• Description of a treatment strategy involving pharmacotherapy and patient management.

Main Results:

• Morgellons disease treatment remains unstandardized, with limited evidence.
• Antipsychotics, particularly low-dose risperidone or trifluoperazine, are used due to antipruritic and analgesic benefits.
• Adjunctive therapies and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial.

Conclusions:

• Morgellons disease management is complex and often requires a psychiatric approach.
• Pharmacotherapy, especially with specific antipsychotics, combined with supportive care, can aid in patient relief.