What can trigger morphea?
It may be caused by an unusual reaction of your immune system. In people at increased risk of morphea, it could be triggered by injury to the affected area, medications, chemical toxins, an infection or radiation therapy. The condition isn’t contagious.
How fast does morphea spread?
Without treatment, the lesions often go away on their own within three to five years, but new lesions usually appear over a person’s lifetime. If the condition goes deeper than skin level, it may spread quickly, so early diagnosis and prompt treatment are important. Find out more morphea facts here.
What type of doctor treats morphea?
You may start by seeing your primary care doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist) or a specialist in diseases of the joints, bones and muscles (rheumatologist).
What kind of skin does morphea disease cause?
Morphea is a rare skin condition characterized by small red or purple patches that develop firm white or ivory centers. The affected skin becomes tight and less flexible. Morphea (mor-FEE-uh) is a rare condition that causes painless, discolored patches on your skin.
How does a doctor diagnose and treat morphea?
Morphea 1 Diagnosis. Your doctor may diagnose morphea by examining the affected skin and asking you about your signs and symptoms. 2 Treatment. Morphea usually goes away without treatment, though it may leave scars or areas of discolored skin. 3 Lifestyle and home remedies. 4 Coping and support. 5 Preparing for your appointment.
What are the different types of generalized morphea?
Generalized morphea presents as four or more areas of skin and subcutaneous fibrosis. Patients with generalized morphea are more likely to feel tired and to have joint pain than other variants of morphea. Adults can also get linear morphea (see below). Juvenile-onset morphea ( linear morphea, pansclerotic morphea).
How is generalized morphea treated in JAMA Dermatology?
Generalized morphea, or morphea that involves the muscle and bone, is usually treated with phototherapy (regular exposure to UV light in a special machine) or a combination of oral steroids and methotrexate (medications that suppress the immune system). The JAMA Dermatology Patient Page is a public service of JAMA Dermatology.