The challenge of Morgellons disease: A patient with clinicopathologic correlation

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Psychiatry
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Morgellons disease is a poorly understood condition characterized by skin lesions and the presence of fibers.
• While often considered psychiatric, an infectious cause linked to Lyme disease has been proposed.
• Histopathological findings are typically nonspecific.

Observation:

• A case of Morgellons disease in an adult woman with extensive skin ulcerations and scarring is presented.
• Microscopic examination confirmed the presence of fibers embedded in the skin.
• The patient reported symptoms consistent with Morgellons disease.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with Morgellons disease co-occurring with delusional infestation.
• No evidence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection, the cause of Lyme disease, was detected.
• Skin biopsies showed fibers but lacked specific diagnostic markers.

Implications:

• This case underscores the complexity of Morgellons disease diagnosis.
• It supports the classification of Morgellons disease as a form of delusional infestation in some cases.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis and optimal treatment for Morgellons disease.