Clinical Microbiology & Case Reports Open Access Full Text Article Research Article Disseminated dermatological symptoms in chronic cases of Neurocutaneous Syndrome (NCS) or Morgellons This article was published in the following Scient Open Access Journal: Clinical Microbiology & Case Reports Received February 24, 2015; Accepted March 21, 2015; Published March 24, 2015 Omar M. Amin* Abstract Parasitology Center, Inc. (PCI), 11445 E. Via Linda # 2-419, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, USA We are reporting on eight cases of chronic Neurocutaneous Syndrome (NCS) exhibiting extreme dermatological symptoms. Dermatological symptoms are usually preceded by intermediate neurological stages of crawling and pin pricking sensations. We have published many articles on NCS but pictures of extreme dermatology and associated cases have not been previously reported. The photos included in this report were taken during initial examination at Parasitology Center, Inc. (PCI) between 1993 and 2004. We have developed a protocol that successfully resolves the symptoms of NCS. “Delusional parasitosis” and Morgellons disease cases should be assigned to NCS and treated as such. The literature on delusional parasitosis dismisses “delusional patients” as psychiatric cases with imaginary external and internal symptoms that feel like parasite movements. We have researched over 1000 “delusional” patients since 1996 at PCI. We have concluded that the internal sensations of crawling and pin-pricking, often confused with parasite movement, are actually caused by toxicity from exposure to toxic chemicals including but not limited to dental materials that interfere with the propagation of normal nerve impulse. We also have evidence that external parasites/organisms including springtails (Collembola), other arthropods, bacteria, and fungi represent only opportunistic infections of skin sites compromised by toxins. The elimination of toxins from the skin will cause breaks that will allow the establishment of external infections. We have described a new pathological disorder that we called Neuro-cutaneous Syndrome because of the neurological and the dermatological symptoms that characterize it. Introduction and Background The terms Morgellons and Neuro-cutaneous Syndrome (NCS) as characterized by Amin [1-13] are used interchangeably, yet cautiously, as their symptoms are very similar. At the Parasitology Center, Inc. (PCI), we have been researching NCS since 1996. Our early reports on this syndrome included the description of a case with many facial opportunistic infections from Oklahoma [1] and the first naming and diagnosis of NCS from 3 more cases, with a special reference to fibers and springtails (Collembola) [2]. By 2003, we were able to provide a comprehensive diagnosis of NCS and establish the link to dental toxins as the causative agents. Amin [3] clarified the nature of action of dental liners (bases) in the causation of NCS neurological and dermatological symptoms. Various versions of this landmark publication were subsequently published elsewhere [4-6]. We established a causal relationship with dental toxins, as well as with other less frequent toxic exposures, developed a protocol, and successfully treated patients. This epidemic-in-disguise has been routinely misdiagnosed by medical professionals who often label patients as delusional because of their description of their neurological symptoms (actually caused by nerve damage) as having been caused by parasite infections. Amin [7] specifically addressed this issue while discussing the clinical history of 24 NCS patients. Amin [8,9] provided annotated lists of about 360 and 644 dental materials that have been involved in the causation of NCS symptoms. An overview of NCS [10] made special reference to organ system symptomology. Amin [11] further analyzed 18 new NCS cases that have been in various stages of treatment and recovery and have demonstrated that those patients that have followed and completed our protocol have invariably recovered. Among patients experiencing recovery, 15 have shared their experience and perspectives [12]. NCS symptoms stated by 166 patients *Corresponding author: Omar M. Amin, upon first examination at PCI were reported by Amin [13]. The two most recent Parasitology Center, Inc. (PCI), 11445 E. Via Linda # 2-419, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, USA, E-mail: publications included new case histories, emphasized the fallacy of the concept of [email protected] “Delusionary Parasitosis” [14,15], and proposed that cases of “Delusional parasitosis” Volume 1 • Issue 2 • 009 www.scientonline.org Clin Microbiol Case Rep Citation: Amin OM (2015). Disseminated dermatological symptoms in chronic cases of Neurocutaneous Syndrome (NCS) or Morgellons Page 2 of 5 and Morgellons disease should be assigned to NCS and be treated materials. Patients were referenced by their photos depicting as such. their skin symptoms. On one hand, we come across occasional reports supporting LW (Figure 1): LW was a 45 years old white female from our findings. For instance, Kal et al. [16] described an immediate Phoenix, Arizona when she saw us at our PCI office in March, 2003. hypersensitivity reaction associated with the mercury component She suffered from movement and biting sensations suspected to of amalgam restorations. The authors reported that the mercury be due to scabies in 1999 for which she used Quell, Elimite, and from amalgam fillings induced an acute reaction which resulted Eurax. Swab culture of her skin sores demonstrated secondary in erythematous lesions, severe burning and itchy sensation and infection with Staphylococcus aureus. Her live in boyfriend was difficulty in breathing. The amalgam restorations were replaced reported to have also been affected. No foreign travel experience with compatible composite restorations and the symptoms was indicated. LW was lost to follow up. resolved. Follow-up skin patch test results indicated a very strong MS (Figures 2 and 3): MS is a white female from New positive reaction to mercury. Rare instances of delayed, localized Jersey born in 1955. She was diagnosed at PCI in July, 2006 allergic reactions have been reported in the literature. with “classical symptoms of NCS, especially dermatological…” On the other hand, there is ample literature describing Dermatological symptoms were of constant nature and started the reported symptoms of “delusional parasitosis” cases and in April, 2006. They were of moderate to severe intensities characterizing patients as psychiatric cases [17-23]. For example, and included open oozing, and painful sores and lesions on the see Aw et al. (2004) [17], Bak et al. (2008) [18], Donabedian face, ears, neck, chest and arms, and elevated ripples and veins (2007) [19], Driscol et al. (1993) [20], Hinkle (2000) [21], Lyell especially on the hands. In May and June, 2006 her neurological (1983) [22], and Trabert (1995) [23]. The 2 most recent articles symptoms started manifesting at moderate to severe levels of are those of Shelomi [24], an entomologist who also reported on intensities. These included skin irritation, pin-prick, crawling, a case of photo manipulation of presumed springtail (Collembola: burning, and compromised memory and vision, and brain fog. Arthropoda) infections, and Lyons [25], a veterinarian who She also experienced severe swelling and noted moderate to presented 3 case histories. severe sensitivity to Sulfa, bright light, mold and humidity as is typical of Sulfa allergies. She was fatigued and suffered from Materials and Methods insomnia, compromised immune system and some weight loss. Patients were interviewed and clinical and dental histories A swab culture from her chest was positive for Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis on July 26, 2006. On May 31, 2006, her were taken. Oral cavity, scalp, and skin were examined for physical exam and laboratory blood work were normal but she signs of compromised tissues and abnormal appearances. Skin swabs were taken from compromised areas for bacterial and fungal culture when applicable. The interview focused on any sources of toxic exposures in a timeline to establish possible associations with clinical symptoms. Patients filled out a lengthy questionnaire addressing neurological, cutaneous, organ system, oral, allergy, and general issues as well as previous dental and related clinical and recreational drug histories. Used dental materials are checked against the OSHA MSDS forms for possible pathological relationships. If the patient is diagnosed with NCS or Morgellons, he/she is given a protocol involving running a dental bio-compatibility test contracted with a Colorado laboratory, and dental rehabilitation and detoxification using homeopathic remedies. The biocompatibility test will determine the reactivity of the patient to known dental materials and suggest replacement chemicals to which the patient is not sensitive. Written informed consent was obtained from the 8 featured patients for use of their information and accompanying images. The photos included in this report were usually taken during initial examination at PCI between 1993 and 2004. Sometimes, however, photos were provided by patients during the height of symptoms at a prior date. Ultimate outcome after diagnosis at PCI and treatment is not indicated in detail in all cases since a number of patients were lost to follow up. However, when applicable, reference is made to patients that we know have followed our protocol and have recovered. Figures 1-6: Dermatological symptoms of cases 1-4. 1. Skin sores