Morphea (localized scleroderma)

Noelle M. Teske, Heidi T. Jacobe

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Morphea, also called localized scleroderma, is a sclerosing skin disorder that resembles scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) in terms of cutaneous histopathological features, but differs demographically and clinically. Hallmark clinical and serological features of scleroderma (sclerodactyly, Raynaud’s phenomenon, internal organ involvement, and scleroderma-specific antibodies) are absent in morphea. Affecting adults and children equally, morphea is characterized by single or multiple indurated cutaneous plaques that can have variable appearance depending on the subtype and activity of disease. The predominant subtypes are circumscribed or plaque-type, linear, generalized, pansclerotic, and mixed morphea. Treatment of morphea, which may include corticosteroids, methotrexate, and/or phototherapy, is aimed at shutting down inflammation in active morphea and preventing cosmetic/functional impairment that may result from unabated activity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationScleroderma
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Pathogenesis to Comprehensive Management
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages91-113
Number of pages23
ISBN (Electronic)9783319314075
ISBN (Print)9783319314051
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2016

Keywords

  • Classification of morphea
  • Clinical features of morphea
  • Localized forms of scleroderma
  • Morbidity in morphea
  • Morphea
  • Treatment in morphea

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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