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List of All Topics
Morphea
Introduction
Morphea is a rare skin condition that causes red or purple patches on your skin. The condition typically appears on your torso, arms and legs. Morphea occurs in all age groups, but generally affects women more than men.
Morphea is a localized form of scleroderma, a condition that can cause a wide variety of problems, from skin discoloration to internal organ damage. Morphea tends to affect only the outermost layers of your skin, with no damage to internal organs. Sometimes, morphea can restrict movement in your joints.
Treatment depends on the severity of morphea. Your doctor may recommend medications, physical therapy or other treatments.
Signs And Symptoms
Morphea is a form of scleroderma, a term that literally means "hard skin." In addition to hardening your skin, morphea thickens and discolors the affected skin to look lighter or darker than the surrounding area.
Most people develop one or two oval-shaped patches that start out red, purple or yellow and gradually develop a whitish center.
Morphea usually affects only the uppermost layers of your skin, but in some cases may involve fatty or connective tissue below your skin.
Causes
The exact cause of morphea is unknown. It's usually chronic or recurrent, but it's not hereditary. It's believed that a reaction of the immune system plays a role in the development of the condition.
Experts once thought morphea was associated with infection, such as measles or chickenpox, but recent research doesn't support this theory. Connection with the organism that causes Lyme disease also has been suggested, but unproved.
Treatment
Morphea has no known cure. Treatment focuses on controlling the signs and symptoms and slowing the spread of the disease. The earlier you begin treatment, the more effective it is. The precise treatment depends on the extent and severity of your condition, but may include:
- Corticosteroid medications, which your doctor may prescribe early in the course of treatment, to reduce inflammation and prevent thickening of the collagen.
- Antimalarial medications, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) or chloroquine (Aralen), to reduce inflammation and slow the progress of the disease.
- Immunosuppressive medications to control your immune system and reduce inflammation.
- Physical therapy to improve the mobility of your joints.
- Laser treatments, topical creams and chemical peels to bring the look of natural color back to affected skin after the inflammation has subsided.
- Plastic surgery to improve the look of discolored skin in highly visible places.
Information obtained from National Institute of Health