A Simple Explanation?

Here’s a thought: many of the people who have self-diagnosed as Morgellon’s had, at one point, a real infection. Perhaps a rash or a hostile organism (mites, fungus, etc), or eczema. This led to intense scratching, which irritated the skin. Raw, moist skin picks up all kinds of dust and fibers from the environment. Sufferers found these fibers, “researched” online and self-diagnosed with Morgellon’s, for which they self-prescribed further abrasion, frequent washing (bathing in bleach?!), etc. This dried and irritated their skin further, causing it to collect more fibers, which became a self-perpetuating degenerative cycle.

I live in the desert. My skin dries out, and when it gets dry it gets oily. When it gets oily, it gets itchy, and it accumulates dust and fibers. The only treatment is to not itch, bathe judiciously, and keep it moisturized (I hate lotion so I opt for gentle soap).

Though I’m well into my 30s, I still get bouts of acne and razor rash too, which causes occasional zits and blackheads that can often be described as “white or black pearls”. If I was naive as to the cause, and to internet bullshit artistry, I’d probably draw the same conclusion, self-diagnose, and fall into the same downward spiral of isolation, paranoia, and exacerbation.