Morgellons Disease in a 48-Year-Old Female With Dermatologic Complaints

Abstract

Morgellons disease, a controversial, newly emerging skin disease, is not usually included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting to the emergency department with dermatologic complaints. Delay in diagnosis may result in months or years of suffering for patients who are routinely misdiagnosed with incorrect psychiatric or dermatologic conditions. A patient's case is presented in this article. The patient history, differential diagnosis, and distinctive features of Morgellons disease are discussed so that advanced practice nurse and physician providers may gain a knowledge base for clinical practice.