Through the years, we have heard from chronic Lyme sufferers and conditions associated with their illness.

Can previous Lyme infection really be the cause of Morgellons disease?  What is Morgellons?  Over the last couple of decades, this mysterious illness has become a point of contention among the medical community.  From dermatologists to psychiatrists, Morgellons is a hot-button topic.  Patients present skin ulcers, which some dismiss as self-inflicted abrasions due to a psychological condition known as Excoriation disorder, associated with obsessive-compulsive tendencies.  Many dermatologists and family practitioners saw patients with these lesions and referred them to psychiatrists for treatment.  In 2002, the first case was documented with one difference – fibers were present in the lesions.  This led to the eventual connection with previous Lyme infection.

What were the fibers?

The fibers were originally thought to be from patients’ clothing, bedding, or towels.  Upon further investigation of the make-up of the fibers in Morgellons patients, it was determined that the fibers were being produced by their bodies.  They are made of keratin and collagen, two naturally-occurring proteins.  This is where the connection to Lyme infection was made.  Research over the last few years is said to show that the keratin and collagen fibers result from an over-production process that began with spirochetal infection.  The species of the spirochetes is Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.  Even still, many medical professionals declare that Morgellons is 100% psychological, claiming that the fibers are from clothing or linens.  Genetic, immunology, and hormonal studies are recommended as we continue to learn more about Morgellons.  Current treatments may include antibiotics that are used in early Lyme diagnoses, with some patients reporting remission.  Others are still being treated with drugs that control tics and psychosis.

What are other chronic conditions related to previous Lyme infection?

When a person has asymptomatic early stage Lyme disease or are misdiagnosed in the early stages of Lyme, they could develop chronic Lyme disease.  Chronic Lyme can cause joint pain, fatigue, and even cognitive disorders that mimic Alzheimer’s.  While patients cannot be cured, many seek the help of Rheumatologists, Lyme specialized physicians, or natural medicine practitioners.  Morgellons is just one more anomaly that is said to be the result of a bite from an infected tick.

Charlton tick control for tick bite prevention.

Due to the seriousness of tick-born diseases, such as Lyme disease, and now Morgellons disease, it is imperative that we protect our families from the threat of tick bites.  There is no 100% guaranteed method of tick elimination, but year-round control solutions are available in Central Massachusetts.  Professional tick control begins in the springtime with barrier yard spray – either EPA-registered or all-natural yard treatment.  In the late fall, it continues with tick tubes, which help break the tick life cycle and reduce the number of emerging ticks in the spring.