Morphea: what are its symptoms, its causes and its treatment

Morphea is a rare condition that causes painless, discolored patches on the skin.

Skin changes usually appear on the abdomen, chest, or back. But they can also appear on the face, arms and legs. Over time, the spots may become firm, dry and smooth. Morphea usually only affects the outermost layers of the skin. However, some forms of the disease also affect deeper tissues and can restrict joint movement.

Morphea usually gets better on its own over time, although recurrences are common. In the meantime, there are medications and therapies to help treat skin discoloration and other effects.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of morphea can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. For example: Reddish or purple oval spots on the skin, often on the abdomen, chest or back Spots that gradually develop a lighter or whitish center Linear spots, especially on the arms or legs and possibly on the forehead or the neck the skin affected, becoming firm, thick, dry and shiny

Morphea affects the skin and underlying tissues and, in some cases, the bones. The condition usually lasts for several years and then gets better or sometimes goes away on its own. It can leave scars or dark or light spots on the skin. Morphea can come back.

When should you see a doctor?

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing morphea, such as the following: To be female and white. Morphea is more common in white women. Age. The disease can affect people of any age. It usually manifests between the ages of 2 and 14 or around 40. Familiar antecedents of morfea. This disease can be hereditary. People with morphea are more likely to have a family history of morphea and other autoimmune diseases.

Diagnostic

Your doctor can diagnose morphea by examining the affected skin and asking you about the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing. The doctor may also take a small sample of skin (skin biopsy) for laboratory examination. This test can reveal skin changes, such as thickening of a protein (collagen) in the second layer of the skin (dermis). Collagen forms your body’s connective tissue, such as skin. Helps to make the skin elastic and resistant.

It is important to distinguish morphea from systemic sclerosis and other diseases. Therefore, your doctor may order a blood test or refer you to a specialist in skin disorders (dermatologist) or a specialist in diseases of the joints, bones and muscles (rheumatologist).

If your child has morphea of ​​the head and neck, they should have regular comprehensive eye exams, as morphea can cause subtle but irreversible damage to the eyes.

Morphea usually lasts for several years and goes away without treatment. It can leave scars or dark or light spots on the skin. Until the condition resolves, it is recommended to seek treatment to help control the signs and symptoms.

Treatment options vary depending on the complexity of the disease and its impact on your life. For example:

Medicinal creams. Your doctor may prescribe a vitamin D cream, such as calcipotriene, to help soften affected areas of skin. Usually the skin begins to improve within the first few months of treatment. Possible side effects are burning, stinging and rash.

Your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid cream to reduce inflammation. If used for a long time, these creams can thin the skin. Phototherapy. Treatment for severe or generalized morphea may include the use of ultraviolet light (phototherapy). Oral medications. Your doctor may prescribe an immunosuppressive drug, such as oral methotrexate (Trexall), corticosteroids, or both, to treat severe or generalized morphea. Your doctor may also recommend hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) or mycophenolate mofetil. Each of these drugs has possible side effects. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before you start taking the drug. Physiotherapy. If the condition affects the joints, physical therapy can preserve your range of motion.