Morgellons disease itself, specifically the fibers that emerge from the skin, does not appear to produce a distinct odor based on what’s known about their composition. The fibers are made of keratin and collagen, the same proteins found in hair and connective tissue, which are not inherently odor-producing materials. However, many people with Morgellons do report unusual smells, and there are several reasons why the condition can involve odor even if the fibers themselves don’t cause it.
Why the Fibers Themselves Don’t Smell
Research published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that the filaments emerging from Morgellons lesions are composed of keratin and collagen produced by skin cells called keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Under electron microscopy, these fibers have a structure similar to hair, with a hollow center surrounded by a cortex. Keratin and collagen are stable structural proteins. On their own, they don’t break down quickly or release volatile compounds that your nose would detect.
So if someone with Morgellons notices a smell, the fibers are unlikely to be the direct source. The odor is more likely coming from what’s happening around them: the open wounds, any infections in those wounds, or underlying systemic illness.
Open Lesions and Bacterial Infection
The hallmark of Morgellons is non-healing skin lesions. Any open wound that persists for weeks or months is vulnerable to bacterial colonization, and bacteria are one of the most common causes of wound odor. When bacteria break down tissue and moisture accumulates in a wound bed, the byproducts can produce a noticeable smell that ranges from sour to foul, depending on which organisms are present.
People with Morgellons often scratch or pick at their skin in response to intense itching and crawling sensations, which can deepen wounds and introduce new bacteria. The longer a lesion stays open, the greater the chance of secondary infection, and infected wounds almost always carry some degree of odor. A sweet or putrid smell from a lesion typically signals that bacteria are actively breaking down tissue, and this warrants medical attention.
The Possible Lyme Disease Connection
A growing body of evidence links Morgellons to infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. In one study published in BMC Dermatology, researchers detected Borrelia strains in 24 out of 25 Morgellons patients using DNA testing and microscopy. Some patients had the bacteria cultured from their blood, confirming systemic infection rather than just a localized skin problem.
Lyme disease on its own doesn’t typically cause body odor, but systemic infections can change the way your sweat and skin secretions smell through shifts in metabolism and immune activity. Patients with chronic infections sometimes report that their sweat smells different or that they notice an unusual odor they can’t explain. If Borrelia infection is driving or contributing to Morgellons symptoms, it could be one more factor in the odor some patients describe.
Skin Changes and Self-Treatment
Some Morgellons patients use topical products on their skin in an attempt to draw out fibers or soothe irritation. These can range from over-the-counter ointments to homemade preparations involving essential oils, hydrogen peroxide, or other substances. These products themselves can produce strong smells, and when applied to broken skin, the chemical interaction with wound fluid and bacteria may create odors that wouldn’t otherwise be present.
Prolonged skin inflammation also changes the local environment of the skin. Chronic lesions can weep fluid, form crusts, and trap moisture underneath bandages, all of which create conditions where bacteria and fungi thrive. The resulting smell is not unique to Morgellons. It’s the same process that causes odor in any chronic, non-healing wound.
What the Smell May Tell You
If you or someone you know has Morgellons and notices a persistent smell from affected skin, the most likely explanation is secondary infection of open lesions. A few patterns are worth paying attention to:
- A foul or rotten smell from a lesion usually indicates bacterial infection and tissue breakdown.
- A musty or yeasty smell in skin folds near lesions may point to fungal overgrowth, especially in warm, moist areas.
- A chemical or metallic smell that doesn’t seem to come from the skin itself could be related to topical products being used on wounds.
Current management of Morgellons focuses on treating the skin lesions directly, addressing any underlying infections, and managing the itching and discomfort that drive the cycle of scratching and wound reopening. The National Library of Medicine classifies Morgellons as an unexplained illness characterized by non-healing lesions, itching, and the appearance of fibers. Keeping wounds clean and getting infected lesions evaluated can address the odor component directly, regardless of what’s causing the broader condition.