Morgellons Disease

Morgellons disease causes uncomfortable sensations on or under your skin. You may feel crawling, burning or biting. In some cases, you might notice fibers in your skin. Research shows these aren’t parasites or fabric. They’re usually made from skin proteins, hair or tiny materials that become visible when you have skin irritation or damage. But sometimes, there isn’t anything under your skin at all. This condition involves a disconnect between signals sent between your brain and your skin.

These sensations are real and feel very bothersome, even without a clear medical cause. You might scratch, pick at or try to remove what feels like the source of irritation. It can lead to open sores, wounds, infections or scars.

A healthcare provider can help you manage these symptoms.

Symptoms of Morgellons disease

Symptoms link to the sensation or belief that fibers or threadlike material is in or under your skin. You might even see a fiber under your skin. You may feel:

• Biting
• Burning
• Crawling
• Stinging
• Tingling

The discomfort might cause you to itch, scratch or pick at your skin to ease these feelings.

How are Morgellons fibers described?

If you have this condition, you may feel and see fibers in your skin that you believe are causing uncomfortable symptoms. Many people describe these fibers as thin, threadlike strands or small particles that come out of sores. They may look white, black, blue, red or other bright colors. Some compare them to threads from clothing, pieces of straw or tiny black specks.

Research shows that these fibers aren’t cloth or fabric. They often come from skin proteins, hair or outside materials. Irritated or injured skin may make them easier to see. 

Morgellons disease causes

Healthcare providers don’t know the exact cause of Morgellons disease. But most research suggests it’s related to how your brain and body process physical sensations. There might be a disconnect in the signals your brain and body send to each other. Your symptoms feel very real, but large studies haven’t found an infection, parasite or toxin that fully explains them. 

Many medical experts consider Morgellons disease a form of delusional infestation (delusional parasitosis). This means your brain strongly signals that something’s wrong in your body, even though medical tests don’t show a clear physical explanation. 

Is Morgellons a mental health condition?

It’s complicated. Healthcare providers sometimes refer to Morgellons as a psychodermopathy. It’s a condition that involves both your mind and your skin. Because of this, successful treatment tends to involve a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a dermatologist working together to manage all your symptoms.

Risk factors

Because the cause isn’t well understood, it’s hard to know exactly what increases risk. Researchers found that this condition more often occurs in people who also have:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance use disorder

Complications

Morgellons disease may lead to several complications over time, like:

• Open sores, wounds or ulcers on your skin from scratching or picking
• Skin infections or scars from skin damage
• Trouble falling asleep due to discomfort
• Chronic fatigue from poor sleep and constant stress
• Mental health challenges linked to ongoing symptoms

How doctors diagnose Morgellons disease

If you have these irritating symptoms, start by seeing a primary care provider or a dermatologist. They’ll examine your skin and ask about what’s going on. If needed, they may order tests like a blood test, a skin biopsy or cultures. These help rule out other skin or medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

You may feel the need to remove fibers or material you noticed in your skin to show to your provider. It’s important not to pick at your skin or try to remove anything yourself. This can cause wounds or lead to infection. If you notice a fiber or new skin change, take a clear photo and show it to your provider when you see them. During your visit, if there’s anything in your skin, they can safely remove it.

It can sometimes take a while for healthcare providers to figure out what’s going on because this condition isn’t common. You may get a referral to see different specialists as you seek a diagnosis.

Morgellons disease treatment

Treatment depends on your symptoms and any related conditions you may have. Your provider may recommend one or more of the following:

• Medications: Some medicines, including antipsychotics, may reduce uncomfortable skin sensations and the urge to pick at your skin.
• Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help you manage skin picking and cope with stress, anxiety or depression linked to Morgellons.

Your care plan may change over time based on how you feel and how your symptoms respond to treatment.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

See a healthcare provider if you:

• Feel a strong urge to pick at your skin to relieve discomfort
• Have a wound that won’t heal or becomes very painful, swollen or leaks pus
• Have trouble sleeping at night or feel very tired during the day
• Notice changes in your mood, stress level or behavior

What can I expect if I have Morgellons disease?

This condition is usually long-lasting. You may notice uncomfortable skin sensations that come and go over time. These symptoms can affect your sleep, mood and daily routine.

Treatment may make symptoms easier to manage. But it often takes time. Symptoms may improve and later flare up again, especially if treatment changes or stops.

Your care team can work with you to find a management plan that fits your needs and reduces how much the condition affects your daily life.