CDC research also revealed that the skin sores seemed to be the result of long-term picking and scratching the skin.

The CDC report goes on to say: "We were not able to conclude, based on this study, whether this unexplained dermopathy represents a new condition, as has been proposed by those who use the term Morgellons, or wider recognition of an existing condition such as delusional parasitosis."

The results of the CDC study have been archived and are no longer updated. The CDC does not plan to do any further research on the matter.

Besides the CDC, other research teams have contributed to the debate on Morgellons.

Previous case studies and research have suggested that Morgellons may be linked to Lyme disease. Some patients with symptoms of Morgellons had tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

But according to Morgellons researchers at Oklahoma State University, there is no evidence to prove this theory. Likewise, there was no evidence of Lyme infection in any of the people in the CDC study.

A 2010 study found a potential link between Morgellons symptoms and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). More research needs to be done on this finding.

Morgellons also appears similar to a condition seen in cattle called bovine digital dermatitis, which is due to an infection, according to a 2011 study. But no conclusions can be reached from these small studies.