we need a spread sheet that shows what works

[Cayly]

Hi Wootty,

I understand how you can feel - too many procedures, too many products to consider. Until we get more clear-cut info, please do keep on trying. Never give up. There are days when things become just too much to bother, but on a better day things could be tackled using the very useful and effective cheaper products. The main thing (I have only just realised) is to clear the system internally. Detox, detox, detox, deworm, lots of onions, garlic, pyllium husks, etc. No sugar whatsoever, lots of eggs, good protein and green veg , beans.(not root veg), Salt, White vinegar, borax, ammonia, teatree,neem products are all good to use for a start, for the bath/shower and cleaning. Keep three spray bottles with these diluted products handy (makes life easier).

Slowly add other things which have been suggested and helped others here on this site, and until we obtain more info just continue to build yourself up. Ask any questions and let us know how you are. You are not alone - we all need help, and it is always readily available here. We will win through between us all, the answer/s must be found soon. So keep at it Wootty.

God bless,
Cayly

[xiblanque]

Morgellons UK - Awareness Campaign 2010 - Morgellons Disease - Support
Find a doctor that is willing treat you
Keep an open mind
Adopt a healthy diet
Take regular exercise when you feel well enough
Adopt ways to clean your skin
Adopt ways to clean your environment, your clothes and pets
Adopt ways to relax everyday, to restore some calm inside
Sleep when your body says so
Confide in someone you trust, who can help to support you emotionally
Join an online forum for ongoing support: - Many sufferers say that these sources of support are a 'life saver'
Keep track of the latest news about Morgellons disease
Skin Cleansing

People with Morgellons report some or all of the following skin issues:

Itching skin, hair and ears
White particles coming out of skin, hairs and scalp
Small red spots, new 'moles' and pimples
Open sores that don't scab over properly. If they do heal, skin looses pigment
Single filaments that come out of skin and hair (may look like carpet lint)
Parasites troubling their skin and hair follicles
Bundles of fibres coming out of skin
Stinging, shooting pain, often in fingers and feet
A feeling that skin is not clean, even after a bath

Skin detox Bathroom tips:

If you can, soak in a full, very warm bath for 10 minutes in hydrogen peroxide solution and salt (1kg). Hydrogen peroxide is sold in 3%, 6% and 9% 200ml bottles at most chemists. For one bath you will need either four bottles (3%), three bottles (6%), two bottles (9%) . What you may see is lots of white particles coming out of your skin pores, this will decrease over time. This can be done via a spray and flannel wash if bathing is not possible.

Rinse off under a shower and apply anti-dandruff shampoo (that has sulphur in) all over, using a plastic net sponge to scrub intact skin. Rinse again after a few minutes

Massage vinegar in your hair and rinse out

Dry off with a clean tea towel

Apply DSP cream on skin or teatree oil mixed in a moisturiser. (DSP is also safe to use on children).

Always dry your hair with a hair dryer, instead of letting it dry naturally.
We recommend buying some essential oils (orange oil, teatree, eycalyptus, peppermint, citronella, lavender, geranium, clove). They have a variey of uses and can be added to bath water, shampoo and your moisturiser. Note - make sure you swish the water well, else some oils may irritate the skin on contact.

Other bathing combinations to try are:

Vinegar and 1.5kg salt (or just massaging vinegar in hair, before rinsing)
Essential oils with 1.5kg salt
Essential oils with 2 capfuls of Dettol
Enzyme cleaner and salt
We recommend always having treatments added to hot bath water. However, you may find that using these tips in the shower works well too.

People often report having a film on their skin. The above suggestions should help remove it. You may find Hibiscrub/Hibiclens used as a soap and shampoo or Grapefruit seed extract in shower gel/shampoo, will really help get skin clean. It may also help reduce white particles coming out of the skin.

If itching is a particular problem try adding salt to your soap and shampoo.
Exfoliate daily! This is very important. Try using exfoliating gloves, a net sponge or even salt.
Try massaging strong green tea on your skin, which may help cleanse the skin from parasites.
For your ears, try using Otex ear drops or equivalent that has glycerine and hydrogen peroxide in.
For eyes, use herbal antibacterial eye drops, Optrex or eye drops with boric acid, sold for itchy eyes. Johnson's 'no tears' baby shampoo is great for flushing eyes too.
Spray hair care items with enzyme cleaner or vinegar after each use.
Keep hair shorter
The following link contains a list of products and UK suppliers (where possible), that can help combat Morgellons:

List of Products & Suppliers (PDF 83kb)

NOTE: If you are on medication for an existing condition, you should consult your doctor before taking certain products internally (for example, grapefruit seed extract can interfere with heart medication)

Healthy Diet

You may find that the itching will reduce if you steer clear of processed sugars. Lowering the amount of sugary carbohydrates in your diet, especially the simple ones will help. Lager and beer should be avoided for this reason. Eat more complex carbohydrates, like wholegrain products.

Eating plenty of green vegetables and citrus, red/black fruits will help the immune system.

Foods high in sulphur may be useful, such as garlic and onion.

Drinking green tea daily can help restore brain function amongst other benefits for sufferers.

A variety of herbs and spices maybe helpful including; cloves, corriander, chilli, cayenne, turmeric, cumin, olive leaf extract. Coconut oil is also helpful to use on skin and internally.

Try to limit the amount of dairy products, such as cheese, especially if you are having digestion difficulties. Bio yoghurts are helpful.

Supplements

Vitamins and Minerals are imperative. In particular you may be deficient in Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Coenzyme Q-10 and amino acids.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) helps with detoxing and protecting internal organs. Omega oils may help joints/skin and peppermint oil capsules can assist with healthy digestion. All of these can be purchased from Holland and Barrett or online suppliers.

Since some vitamins can interfere with uptake and action of certain drugs, they should not be taken at the same time of day as other medications, such as antibiotics or other drugs.

Prebiotics and probiotics are important in restoring gut flora and helping with digestion and maintenance of the gastrointestinal system. Supplements of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis may help.vitamin D

Medical Information

Currently, there are very few doctors that are treating patients with Morgellons in the UK. It is not known whether any GP's in the NHS are knowingly treating patients for Morgellons.

This letter gives the current position of the Department of Health on Morgellons, This advises morgellons sufferers to engage with their GPs for a thorough assessment:

Letter in full, received from Department of Health (22nd August 200

It is likely that most GP's have encountered patients reporting the symptoms described. There can be lots of causes for itching, and your doctor should rule out known causes such as scabies, thyroid, kidney or liver disfunction.

Not all Morgellons sufferers have open skin sores but may have spots that don't heal properly, or that are itchy. Some patients also report that they are causing other people to itch in their presence.

For both doctors and patients, its important to engage and keep an open mind about tests and treatment options. Many patients with symptoms of Morgellons report having bacterial and fungal co-infections which may be internal or skin related.
Clinical signs:

Non healing skin sores or persistant spots
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Low core body temperature
Foot drop
Loss of balance (Romberg test)
Peripheral neuropathy
Slow capilary refill
Abnormal reflexes
Clinical Serology Test Abnormalities

Abnormalities Disruption
Elevated cytokines:
TNF-alpha, IL-6, TGF-beta
Elevated inflammation markers: C-reactive protein and TNF-alpha
Immunodeficiency markers: Low CD 56 or CD 57 number, low C1Q, low IgG subclasses 1 and 3
Hematological abnormalities: Low hemoglobin and hematocrit with abnormal RBC indices
Biochemical abnormalities: Elevated blood glucose, insulin, calcium, and serum Homocysteine, and low serum potassium and magnesium.

(Morgellons Research Foundation, case definition: http://www.morgellons.org/case.htm )

It may be appropriate to take a skin scapings or biopsies for bacterial infections (eg Staph aureus is common) and fungal infections (very common).

Research suggests that many patients test positive for the bacteria, Borrelia spp, and may have chronic Lyme disease symptoms. Antibiotics have helped patients. Although Morgellons is not caused by bacteria alone, bacterial co-infections are highly likely with this condition and may include Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Patients have benefited from doxycycline, or clarithromycin, along with treatment for fungal infections, such as metronidazole.

Many patients have benefited from Ivermectin anti-parasitic medication.

Important infections, causing crawling sensations in skin, may involve nematode or fly larvae (unusual myiasis). A variety of small fly larvae maybe involved which are not thought to normally parasitize humans. Species may include plant gall midges, fungus gnats and phorid flies. Diagnosis of myiasis can be difficult due to the microscopic size of the larvae.

Medication can kick start a level of recovery, but sufferers often find longer term, holistic strategies, give the greatest benefit, although do not report being cured.

See support info: Morgellons UK - Awareness Campaign 2010 - Morgellons Disease - Support.

Pain killers, anti-hystamine and sleep medications may help sleep if relaxation activities and natural remedies are insufficient. Steroids should be avoided.

Deciding to make a diagnosis of delusional parasitosis must be given careful consideration. Be mindful that many anti-psycotic drugs, also have an anti-microbial action. The emotional element associated with Morgellons may mean that a patient may present as being neurotic, but rarely psychotic.

Below is a useful presentation with detailed photographs of morgellon elements:

Morgellons Disease or “Delusions of Parasitosis”? Examining the Medical Literature and Photographic Evidence Oct. 2006, Medical Mistakes, University of Wyoming, Elizabeth Rasmussen PhD.

[xiblanque]

Information for cleaning living spaces

Its important to consider your living spaces. Addressing this will benefit your daily health.

Why? Because elements of Morgellons can persist in the environment, without a host.

The following steps can greatly reduce this issue and an initial clean will really help.

1) Remove all rugs and replace pillows.

2) Pour enzyme cleaner into a spray bottle of luke warm water (see instructions on bottle for amounts). Spray ENTIRE home (furniture, drapes, carpets, mattress, inside cars, shoes, pet bedding, bare floors). Once dry, it will not leave an odour (Do this at least monthly).

Essential oils (such as pepperpint or lemon) can be used to spray around the house, as an alternative to enzyme cleaners. Add a few drops to warm water in a spray bottle.

3) Wipe all surfaces with anti-bacterial surface wipes, or white vinegar, including mirrors and windows.

4) Wipe or vacuum walls, ceilings, untreated wooden surfaces (eg. backs of wardrobes)

5) When enzyme cleaner has dried, vacuum all carpets, mattresses and furniture and discard vacuum bag.

If this is a tall order, divide home into sections and clean one section at a time so you don't get overwhelmed and quit before you start!

6) Obtain a de-humidifier for your house (not second hand)

7) See to damp or mold problems - this is important

You can check general air quality in your home by shining a torch when the house lights are switched off.

Also check for web strands around light sources and cardboard, especially those that are not in a 'cob' formation.

Information for cleaning clothes and fabrics

Its important to consider your laundry. Addressing this will benefit your daily health and environment.

Why? Because elements of Morgellons can persist in natural fabrics, like your clothes. Small holes appearing in cotton or silk underwear is often reported.

Laundry Care

If you find that the insides of your clothes have white debris from your skin, then do not wear the same clothing twice without washing.

Stop wearing clothes containing wool and reduce wearing cotton. Switch to wearing more synthetic fibres where possible.

1) Use a non-biological washing powder and a conditioner

2) Add to it a couple of scoops of an Oxy product (eg Vanish or Wizz) and a cup of Borax and/or a cup of salt. A cup of soda crystals is a good alternative.

3) Wash at 60 degrees or above

4) Wipe dirty laundry baskets with wipes or spray with enzyme cleaner.

5) Dry clothes in tumble dryer on high heat until dry

6) Place pillows, comforters, stuffed toys, etc in dryer on HIGH heat for 30-45 min each night before bed during initial treatment stage, then as needed thereafter

7) Spray fluff collector and hoover clean after each wash

Once treatments start to reduce the amount of debris from out of your skin, your clothes will become alot easier to keep clean.

Product list for enzyme cleaners and more (PDF 83kb)

Furniture

After using an enzyme cleaner on fabric furniture, hoover off slowly, when dry. You may want to cover furniture with synthetic throws that can be washed.

In the long run, leather sofas are ideal for keeping clean.

Pets

Research currently views Morgellons Disease to be zoonotic - capable of being shared between animals and humans. Reports from sufferers speak of poorly dogs, cats and horses in particular.

Their symptoms can be much like humans. Here's some specific signs:

Itching and scratching
Sudden erratic movements - as if something has bitten them
Twitching muscles in sleep
Long fur growing in between paws (cats and dogs)
Static hair and greater hair loss
Dry, pale hairs growing from coat
White and black particles in coat
Small fibres coming out of coat
Sores and patches on legs
Black patches on anal area
Shedding of splintered claws
Appetite problems and refusal of wet food
Weight loss or gain
Lethargic, more sleepy than usual
Change in mood - causing depression or aggression
Treatments

Treat them regularly with tablet dewormers
Treat them regularly with flea treatment - use natural pyrethrum not piperazine products
Try adding diatomaceous earth in wet food - dry food for pets is better. If giving wet food do not leave it uncovered inbetween feeding times.
Supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals including Vit C & E
Include oily fish in food or Omega 3 supplements.
Cat hair balls may become more of a problem - hairball paste or hairball control food may help
If your pet has loose stools, try mixing Aloe vera in wet food
Brush their coat regularly outside (consider investing in a FURminator comb)
Use a clothes brush or delinting roller to help reduce coat particles during the day
Rub their coats with aluminium foil to reduce static hair
Use a non-toxic enzyme cleaning/shampoo product for their coats, such as Bug Arrest or Eco-vie - you may want to use a animal conditioner on their coat as the enzyme shampoo will remove natuaral oils
Give their coats a wash using a cloth and warm green tea to reduce itching
Use DSP cream on sores or neem products
Give your pet a massage to help to drain their lymphatic system (wearing gloves if you are infected)
Spray pet bedding and vacuum regularly.
Bug Arrest and Eco-vie are enzyme plant based products that kill insects, bacterias, fungus, grease. They are safe to be used externally on plants, animals, humans and around your home, car and garden.

Product list for enzyme cleaning/shampoo products and DSP supplier (PDF 83kb)

felt like this is a very comprehensive list.... not complete though... maybe a good idea to save it in your email and copy and paste into it with updates and other protocols....
God Bless
Xiblanque

[wootty1987]

cheers guys yeah already seen this. and spoken with Jo at length.

All this stuff is so overwhelming i just dont know where to start...! I suppose i just have to sit down and write up a plan.

I have so much going on at the moment and not enough hours in the day which is the main problem, I have a big competition for my sport in 6 weeks and am trying to hold out until then.

If i am honest - pretty much all i am doing at the moment is washing with selsun blue, and washing my face with baby shampoo/tea tree drops in it, wathing my diet (still eating carbs just cut down massivley on sugar)

I keep noticing things that have happened to me for so long which keep cropping up 'holes in clothes'. I have noticed, over the past 1-2 years that i very strangely get holes emerging in certain items of clothing which had absolutely baffled me. I one sweated out in a training session and saw mould all over one of my t-shirts, and finally my dog @ home (not with me, in cornwall, UK), is acting and showing signs of this Big time - my dad has no idea what is going on with him.

[wootty1987]

other than the hair loss and biofilm on my face - i am having some serious problems with some spots on my chin which are not acne-like (as i have had acne before) they come along like small whiteheads then become *****, red, infected and hang around for AGES. Look awfull, does anyone else get/had this and any tips on cleaning up?

I read about all sorts - fungus, aureus strep - but wouldnt this cause sores not spots (but the spots kind of just turn into sores & appear to spread) I am on acne medication - all the 'normal' stuff has gone but this 'new' stuff persists. it also gets way worse having been IN the sun which is very unusual.

Also having read that Morgies are susceptible to fungus, bact etc i am thinking of getting a letter off to my derm to try and get a scraping/biopsy to look for fungus, bact, parasites etc - surely something will come up in this biofilm...still hung up on dermodex too even though i am informaed it prob isnt due to the amount of other stuff like strogyloids etc which it is more likely to be.

I know inside remedies the best but still reluctant to put anything inside me other than the diet recommendations just yet before seeing a doc who knows and will treat morgs. Like i said, i will have more time to put toward this kind of stuff when rowing finishes up in 6 weeks - just trying to hold on lol.

PS - i now understand the stinging sensations etc are prob more likely to be strongyloids etc rather than mites - what are nematodes though?

Cheers,
L

[Doc Holliday]

why,............hey ya'll,...........please help with THE RALLY PROTEST IN AT LANA OR WASHINGTON!!!!!! .......plaest get involved!!!!! ..... you wont need a list of things that just cover up the main cause!!!!!! ....Sincerely" .....DOC HOLLIDAY ..ther is power in numbers!!!!!!! so help out PLEASE!!!!