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Morphea is a skin disease characterized by hard, discolored patches. It is usually chronic, but doesn’t cause serious health problems. Causes include radiation exposure, viral infections, and genetics. Treatment includes topical creams, oral medications, and light therapy. Surgery is only needed in severe cases.
Morphea is a skin disease characterized by hard, discolored, isolated patches. The condition is usually chronic, but symptoms may come and go over the years. Other than changing the physical appearance of the skin, the disorder usually doesn’t cause serious health problems. People concerned about their appearance can use topical creams or oral medications to relieve redness and soften the skin. Light therapy sessions can also be effective in improving symptoms.
The exact causes of morphea are not well understood, but it appears to be related to a more devastating connective tissue disorder called scleroderma. The skin tissue hardens due to the excessive production and accumulation of collagen. In the case of generalized scleroderma, the buildup of collagen can not only disfigure the skin, but also damage the joint tissue and linings around internal organs. Most cases of morphea, however, are isolated to the outermost layers of the skin.
Several risk factors and potential causes are thought to be associated with the development of morphea. Radiation exposure in industrial or hospital settings appears to be a major cause. Some types of serious viral infections, including measles and hepatitis B, are precursors to morphea in some patients. Vaccinations for such infections can also cause skin problems, especially in very young children and people with weakened immune systems. Additionally, genetics are suspected to play a significant role in a person’s predisposition to scleroderma and morphea.
Hard patches of skin most commonly develop on the abdomen, chest, or back, but you can develop symptoms elsewhere on the body. The skin feels hard and dry to the touch, and a patch is usually dark red or purple with a lighter center. Once a patch develops, it usually persists for several years before going away on its own. Many people have recurring morphea in the same spots on their bodies.
A dermatologist can diagnose the condition by carefully evaluating physical symptoms and taking a small tissue sample from a patch for laboratory analysis. The biopsy results can confirm the presence of excess collagen protein in the middle and outer layers of the skin. If your doctor suspects deep tissue tissue is involved, he may order ultrasounds or MRI scans.
Treatment for mild cases of morphea is generally discouraged, as symptoms are likely to eventually resolve without medical attention. A dermatologist may decide to prescribe a topical anti-inflammatory ointment or an oral corticosteroid to promote faster healing. Some doctors perform photodynamic therapy, a clinical procedure in which high-intensity ultraviolet light is used to repair damaged skin cells. Surgery is only needed if an affected patch of skin is along a joint and makes movement difficult.
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