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The prognosis for morphea is good when proper treatment is taken. There is no absolute cure for the Morphea. The symptoms of Morphea subside on its own within 3 to 5 years of time. The treatment of Morphea includes only symptom management and itch control.
What is the prognosis for morphea?
There is much to learn about morphea, but its onset could be related to:
- repeated trauma to the skin
- aggressive treatments, such as radiation therapy
- an infection
- skin damage caused by environmental exposure
What causes morphea skin disease?
This is a common question that arises in the mind of majority of people. The answer to this question is no. Morphea is a skin problem, but it is not cancerous. There are conditions in which morphea gets combines with other severe skin problems, which can lead to cancer but morphea along is not a cancer.
Is morphea a skin cancer?
Morphea, or localized scleroderma, usually begins between the ages of 20 to 50 years as patches of yellowish or ivory-colored rigid, dry skin (inflammatory stage). ... but it is believed that the presence of certain genes may make it more likely that a person will develop the disease (genetic predisposition).
Is morphea a hereditary disease?
Is morphea painful?
Morphea is usually asymptomatic, with occasional itch and rarely pain. Morphea usually begins as a red or purple area of skin that then becomes thickened and white. The thick white areas usually thin out over time and turn brown.
What causes morphea to flare up?
The cause of morphea is unknown, but it is thought that the collagen-producing cells become overactive and overproduce collagen. This can result in areas of sclerosis or skin hardening. Researchers are trying to determine what triggers the disease and whether it is genetic in origin.
How long does it take for morphea to go away?
Morphea usually lasts several years and then goes away without treatment. It may leave scars or areas of darkened or discolored skin. Until your condition clears up, you may want to pursue treatment that helps control your signs and symptoms.
Can morphea affect internal organs?
Morphea affects only the skin; it doesn't involve other organs.
What does morphea look like when it starts?
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.
Does morphea cause fatigue?
Patients with generalized morphea may experience fatigue and joint pain. Patients with generalized and pansclerotic morphea may experience difficulty with deep breathing, if all of the skin on their chest is involved. If a limb is involved, children with linear morphea may have shortening of the involved limb.
How do you get rid of morphea naturally?
5 Ways to Relieve Morphea ItchMoisturize your skin. The main morphea symptoms are tight, hard, and dry discolored patches on the skin. ... Get out in the sun. Another inexpensive morphea treatment includes getting more sunlight. ... Try phototherapy. ... Use a medicated cream. ... Avoid itchy situations.
What is inflammatory morphea?
Morphea, also called localized scleroderma, is a rare inflammatory skin condition that can also affect the subcutaneous tissues. Morphea encompasses multiple variants with different outcomes ranging for small isolated benign skin lesions to aggressive lesions, which can cause significant deformities.
Does morphea cause weight gain?
Acute localized scleroderma (morphea) can present as severe generalized oedema with rapid weight gain and oliguria. The putative mechanism is increased capillary permeability.
What is deep morphea?
The term deep morphea describes a variant of morphea (localised scleroderma) in which inflammation and sclerosis are found in the deep dermis, panniculus, fascia or superficial muscle. It is sometimes associated with autoantibodies.
Is morphea rare?
Morphea is a skin condition that involves a patch or patches of discolored or hardened skin on the face, neck, hands, torso, or feet. The condition is rare and thought to affect less than 3 out of 100,000 people. Morphea predominately affects your skin. It doesn't involve your internal organs.
Can morphea affect the lungs?
Conclusions Pulmonary involvement is found more frequently in the generalized form of morphea. The patient that resulted positive for ANA have a higher risk for developing pulmonary involvement. Anyway the pulmonary involvement in morphea is moderate.
How do you get rid of morphea naturally?
5 Ways to Relieve Morphea ItchMoisturize your skin. The main morphea symptoms are tight, hard, and dry discolored patches on the skin. ... Get out in the sun. Another inexpensive morphea treatment includes getting more sunlight. ... Try phototherapy. ... Use a medicated cream. ... Avoid itchy situations.
Can morphea cause weight gain?
Acute localized scleroderma (morphea) can present as severe generalized oedema with rapid weight gain and oliguria. The putative mechanism is increased capillary permeability.
Is morphea autoimmune disease?
Morphea is an autoimmune disease that causes sclerosis, or scarlike, changes to the skin. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system, which normally protects us from bacteria, viruses, and fungi, mistakenly attacks a person's own body.
What is the difference between scleroderma and morphea?
Scleroderma is a disease of unknown origin that affects the microvasculature and loose connective tissues of the body and is characterized by fibrosis and obliteration of vessels in the skin, lungs, gut, kidneys and heart. Morphea is a localized form of scleroderma and affects primarily just the skin.
What is the color of morphea?
The outer edge of the lesion may be lilac, and the patch itself is usually reddish in color. It gradually becomes white or yellow in color toward the center of the oval. The exact symptoms and the severity of those symptoms depends on the type of morphea:
What is morphea on the face?
What is morphea? Morphea is a skin condition that involves a patch or patches of discolored or hardened skin on the face, neck, hands, torso, or feet. The condition is rare and thought to affect less than 3 out of 100,000 people.
How long does morphea last?
Most cases of morphea slowly go away on their own over time and don’t alter a person’s life expectancy. On average, a lesion lasts three to five years, but discoloration might persist for a few more years. Occasionally, people will develop new lesions later on.
How to treat 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. For more limited morphea , treatment is considered optional and may include: 1 phototherapy (light therapy using artificial ultraviolet light) 2 a vitamin D cream called calcipotriene (Dovonex)
Why does my skin have morphea?
The exact cause of morphea isn’t yet known. It’s thought to be an immune disorder , meaning that the immune system is attacking the skin. The collagen-producing cells might become overactive and overproduce collagen. Collagen is a protein normally found in skin that helps provide structural support.
How long does it take for morphea to go away?
Current treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms until the morphea goes away on its own, typically within five years. For more limited morphea , treatment is considered optional and may include:
How many oval lesions are there in morphea?
This is the most common type. People with plaque-type morphea have three or four oval lesions. The lesions are painless, but might itch.
What are the signs of morphea?
They include: Reddish or purplish oval patches of skin, often on the belly, chest or back. Patches that gradually develop a lighter or whitish center. Linear patches, especially on the arms or legs and possibly the forehead or scalp.
Where does morphhea appear?
Typically, the skin changes appear on the belly, chest or back. But they might also appear on your face, arms and legs. Over time the patches may become firm, dry and smooth. Morphea tends to affect only the outer layers of your skin. But some forms of the condition also affect deeper tissues and may restrict movement in the joints.
What is the name of the condition where you have small red patches on your skin?
Morphea. 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.
What are the complications of morphea?
Morphea can cause a number of complications, including: Self-esteem issues. Morphea can have a negative effect on your self-esteem and body image, particularly if discolored patches of skin appear on your arms, legs or face. Movement problems. Morphea that affects the arms or legs can impair joint mobility.
Why is morphea contagious?
The cause of morphea is unknown. 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 long does morphhea last?
Morphea affects the skin and underlying tissue and sometimes bone. 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.
Does morphhea improve over time?
Morphea usually improves on its own over time, though recurrences are common. In the meantime, medications and therapies are available to help treat the skin discoloration and other effects.
How does morphea affect your life?
Even people with more mild disease might be self-conscious about cosmetic changes from the condition. By working closely with your clinician , you can minimize the impact on your life .
What are the health problems associated with morphea?
Because of this, it can cause some additional health problems, like the following: Limiting joint movement (if the morphea connects with a joint) Muscle contractures (tightening of the muscles and joints that can cause deformity and pain) Differences in limb length (from constricted growth) and changes in gait.
What is the most common subtype of morphea?
Circumscribed morphea (also known as plaque morphea): Most common subtype in adults (and overall) Linear morphea (sometimes called linear scleroderma): Most common subtype in children 2. However, clinicians have also used other descriptions for specific manifestations of morphea.
How does morphea grow?
Symptoms of morphea tend to grow through periods of improving and worsening over time as new lesions form. An initial inflammatory period in an area is followed by a burnout phase with no active inflammation but with some residual permanent changes to the skin (and deeper tissues, if applicable).
What is the layer of skin that is affected by linear morphea?
Sometimes linear morphea just affects the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. But sometimes linear extends into the deeper skin (dermis) and even deeper into a layer called fascia. Sometimes it even extends into the muscles and joints.
Is morphea a plaque?
Another point of confusion is that, in the past, morphea has sometimes been used to refer just to the circumscribed (plaque) type of morphea. However, rheumatologists have been moving more towards using the term more generally to refer to all types of localized scleroderma. 4
Is morphea a scleroderma?
But morphea can be thought of as one type of scleroderma.
What are the symptoms of morphea?
Morphea symptoms can vary depending on the type, severity and stage of the condition.
Why does morphea happen?
Autoimmune diseases happen when the immune system turns on the body’s own tissues for unknown reasons. In morphea, the immune system attacks and damages the skin and sometimes deeper tissues.
What are the risk factors for morphea?
Morphea tends to develop in children between 2 and 14 years and adults in their mid-40s. A number of other factors increase the risk of developing morphea including:
How is morphea treated?
There is no cure for morphea. The disease is self-limiting usually resolves on its own over the course of 3 to 5 years. Small, superficial, localized lesions may not require any treatment. However, doctors have treatment options to help improve your skin and relieve symptoms while you wait for the condition to resolve. Most people respond to morphea treatment, which includes:
How long does it take for morphea to resolve?
In most cases, morphea resolves on its own over a few years. Doctors may recommend treatment to help manage symptoms, but it won’t shorten the duration of the condition. Morphea treatment may include medicated creams, light therapy, and oral medicines to suppress the immune system.
What is the most common type of morphea in children?
It’s the most common type in children. Pansclerotic morphea involves the skin and deeper tissues, including subcutaneous fat, bone, and muscles. It can affect large or small areas and may limit the movement of joints. This is the rarest form of morphea.
How many areas are circumscribed morphea?
Circumscribed morphea is morphea localized in 1 to 3 areas. It’s the most common type in adults.
What are the side effects of morphea?
Possible side effects include burning, stinging and a rash. Or your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream to reduce inflammation. When used for a long time, these creams may thin the skin. Light therapy. For severe or widespread morphea, treatment may include the use of ultraviolet light (phototherapy). Oral medications.
How to diagnose morphea?
Diagnosis. Your doctor may diagnose morphea by examining the affected skin and asking about your signs and symptoms. Your doctor might also take a small sample of your skin (skin biopsy) for examination in a laboratory. This can reveal changes in your skin, such as thickening of a protein (collagen) in the second layer of skin (dermis).
Why is morphea important?
It helps make your skin elastic and resilient. It's important to distinguish morphea from systemic scleroderma and other conditions. So your doctor might have you undergo a blood test or refer you to a specialist in skin disorders (dermatologist) or diseases of the joints, bones and muscles (rheumatologist).
How long does morphhea last?
Morphea usually lasts several years and then goes away without treatment. It may leave scars or areas of darkened or discolored skin. Until your condition clears up, you may want to pursue treatment that helps control your signs and symptoms.
What is the treatment for morphea?
For severe or widespread morphea, treatment may include the use of ultraviolet light ( phototherapy). Oral medications. For severe or widespread morphea, your doctor may prescribe an immunosuppressive medication, such as oral methotrexate (Trexall), corticosteroid pills or both.
Can morphea cause eye damage?
If your child has head and neck morphea, take him or her for regular comprehensive eye exams, as morphea may cause unnoticeable yet irreversible eye damage. You might undergo ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging to monitor disease progression and your response to treatment.
Does morphea cause dry skin?
Lifestyle and home remedies. Because morphea dries the affected skin, moisturizers may help soften and improve the feel of your skin. It's a good idea to avoid long, hot showers or baths, as these can dry your skin.
How do you know if you have morphea?
In general, signs of morphea include the development of red- or purple-colored oval patches on the skin, which usually thicken and become white over time. Morphea is typically asymptomatic, but some individuals may experience itching or pain. The exact signs and symptoms of morphea scleroderma can vary depending on the specific classification.
What is morphea skin?
Morphea scleroderma, more commonly known as morphea, is a skin condition characterized by discolored and thickened patches of skin on various areas of the body . It is a form of localized scleroderma, which is an inflammatory condition that causes hard and thickened patches of skin on different areas of the body, ...
What causes morphea scleroderma?
While the exact cause of morphea is unknown, potential contributing factors include an atypical reaction of the immune system, recent infection, repeated skin trauma, exposure to chemical toxins, or exposure to radiation. Morphea may also be linked to an overproduction of collagen, which is a protein in the skin that provides structural support. Excessive collagen deposition may lead to parts of the skin becoming stiff and hard.
How is morphea scleroderma diagnosed?
Morphea scleroderma is commonly diagnosed after careful examination of the skin and a thorough evaluation of an individual's signs, symptoms, and family history. Further tests may be conducted to support diagnosis, such as blood tests to investigate for autoimmune diseases or a confirmatory skin biopsy, in which a small sample of the affected skin is removed and tested.
What are the most important facts to know about morphea scleroderma?
However, it is considered an autoimmune disease and is associated with various predisposing factors. Signs and symptoms of morphea scleroderma largely depend on the presenting subtype or classification, three of which are circumscribed morphea, generalized morphea, and linear morphea. Morphea scleroderma is commonly diagnosed after careful examination of the skin and a thorough evaluation of an individual's signs, symptoms, and family history. Blood tests and skin biopsy may also assist with diagnosis. Morphea scleroderma may resolve on its own without treatment within a few years, and treatment is often optional, depending on the classification and severity of morphea.
How long does it take for morphea scleroderma to resolve?
Morphea scleroderma typically resolves on its own without treatment within a few years, though some individuals may be left with darkened areas of skin. Until morphea resolves, treatment usually focuses on controlling symptoms.
What is the most common subtype of morphea?
Circumscribed mor phea is the most common subtype that predominates in adults, characterized by one or a few (i.e., 3 to 4) oval-shaped, thickened patches of skin, which are usually painless but may be itchy. The patches vary in pigment, with some areas appearing darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.
Why does morphea occur?
The cause of morphea is unknown, but it is thought that the collagen-producing cells become overactive and overproduce collagen. This can result in areas of sclerosis or skin hardening. Researchers are trying to determine what triggers the disease and whether it is genetic in origin.
What is mixed morphea?
Mixed: Presence of lesions consistent with the definition of linear morphea plus either plaque or generalized lesions concomitantly (new classification)
What are some examples of morphea treatments?
Some examples of therapies used for morphea are: Steroids: These act as agents to decrease inflammation and collagen-producing cell function. When applied either as a cream/ointment or injected into the lesion, it only treats the areas it is applied to and new lesions may develop elsewhere.
What is the purpose of physical therapy for morphea?
Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy: Aimed at decreasing the degree of immobility or range of motion loss that may be associated with deeper tissue involvement in morphea.
Is morphea more common in women than men?
Morphea is more common in women than in men and about half of all patients first show signs before the age of 18. There is very little information about who are at highest risk for getting morphea as there are no known predictors for the disease. Data from our registry indicates that other autoimmune diseases are more common in patients with morphea and possibly their relatives as well.
Does morphea affect lifespan?
Morphea is an autoimmune disorder (such as type I diabetes, lupus, vitiligo, or multiple sclerosis, among others). While morphea does not affect lifespan, it can significantly affect a patient’s appearance or have symptoms including itching and pain. Often patients are not diagnosed in the early stages as it can initially look like a bruise.
Is morphea a rare disease?
Little is known about morphea since it is a rare, poorly understood, and under studied condition. This registry will provide a resource for investigators to make discoveries in regard to both the clinical and genetic aspects of the disease.
How to treat morphea?
Morphea treatment depends on morphea subtype. Most patients with circumscribed morphea will do very well with medicated creams. Patients with generalized, linear, mixed and pansclerotic morphea may need light therapy or pills to suppress the inflammation. Two main type of phototherapy have been found to be helpful for the itch in systemic sclerosis, narrow band UVB and UVA1. Phototherapy generally requires 2 to 3 visits per week over the course of 2 to 3 months. Pills that calm the immune system, like methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone, hydroxychloroquine, and other medications, may be used.
What is morphea in medical terms?
Morphea (syn. localized scleroderma) occurs as a result of autoimmune fibrosing (leather-like) injury to the skin and sometimes the underlying fat, muscle and bone.
What caused my morphea?
The cause of morphea is unknown at this time. We know that patients with family histories of autoimmune diseases are more likely to get morphea, so there is probably a genetic link. Morphea has been reported to occur after injuries and radiation therapy, which may play a role as a disease trigger.
How to reduce morphea rash?
All patients will have less itching and symptoms if the morphea lesions are kept moisturized. It is important to find a thick moisturizing cream that you are comfortable applying twice a day to decrease symptoms. Lotions (products that can be poured or pumped) are mostly made up of water, which is not moisturizing enough for the skin. Sun exposure may be helpful for morphea lesions, but do not over do it. Ten to 15 minutes of exposure to midday sunlight two to three times per week may improve the morphea lesions.
What is the most common subtype of morphea?
Circumscribed morphea causes circular fibrosis of the skin and subcutaneous fat in one to three areas. It is the most common subtype in adults and is unlikely to involve the underlying muscle or bone. Generalized morphea presents as four or more areas of skin and subcutaneous fibrosis.
How long does it take for morphea to heal?
For the vast majority of patients with morphea, the condition will “burn out” with or without treatment in 3 to 5 years. This means that no new lesions will develop, existing lesions will not grow, and any red or purple discoloration around the lesions will turn brown (postinflammatory hyperpigmentation). The vast majority of patients are responsive to therapy — be it creams, light therapy or systemic immunosuppressive drugs such as methotrexate. The subtype of morphea you have will determine the appropriate treatment options. When the disease is in the burnt out phase it generally has a scarred appearance. Some patients heal very well with their morphea lesions barely noticeable to others. Some patients have obvious morphea lesions that are then stable over time. Some patients develop another “active phase” after a damage phase during which they again develop new lesions and these lesions grow.
What is the rarest type of morphea?
Progressive facial hemiatrophy produces shrinkage of tissues beneath the skin, usually on only one side of the face. Pansclerotic mor phea is the rarest type of morphea. Pansclerotic morphea results in fibrosis of the skin on the trunk and/or extremities. In addition to causing fibrosis of the skin, pansclerotic morphea also results in fibrosis ...
Types of Morphea
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A Word from Verywell
- Symptoms of morphea tend to grow through periods of improving and worsening over time as new lesions form. An initial inflammatory period in an area is followed by a burnout phase with no active inflammation but with some residual permanent changes to the skin (and deeper tissues, if applicable). This cycle will often stop on its own within a few y...