What is localized morphea?

What is localized morphea?

Morphea is a localized form of scleroderma and affects primarily just the skin. Lesions are usually limited and most commonly just one lesion is found. However morphea can occur in a generalized form as well as guttate, nodular, subcutaneous and linear forms.

Is morphea life threatening?

Pansclerotic morphea can be localized to relatively small areas of the body or can involve large areas of the body. Severe cases of pansclerotic morphea can produce long-term disability and on rare occasion have resulted in death.

Is there a cure for morphea?

There is no cure for morphea. Type of treatment depends on the type of morphea and how severe it is. Current treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms until the morphea goes away on its own, typically within five years.

How do you stop the spread of morphea?

Treatment

1. Medicated creams. Your doctor may prescribe a vitamin D cream, such as calcipotriene, to help soften the skin patches.
2. Light therapy. For severe or widespread morphea, treatment may include the use of ultraviolet light (phototherapy).
3. Oral medications.
4. Physical therapy.

Is morphea permanent?

The condition generally lasts several years and then improves or at times disappears by itself. It may leave scars or areas of darkened or discolored skin. It is possible for morphea to recur.

What causes morphea skin disease?

Morphea is a rare skin lesion marked by discoloration and hardening. Its exact causes are not known. The factors that can trigger morphea are autoimmunity, radiation, medicines, abnormal genes, infections, and cancer.

How rare is morphea?

Morphea is a rare pathological condition of the skin that appears in 1-3 people in 100000 people.

What is morphea skin disease?

Morphea (Hardened Skin Disease) Definition. Morphea is a rare condition where patches of thick, hardened and discolored patches occur on the skin. Morphea also spelled as morphoea is a form of localized scleroderma, an autoimmune condition of the connective tissue of the body.

Can morphea cause pain?

Complications Of Morphea. Generalized morphea may cause fatigue and pain in the joints. The joint contractures and muscle wasting can add on to the pain due to restricted movement and shortening of the limb. Pansclerotic morphea can also cause difficulties in breathing if the skin of the chest is affected.