What causes skin morphea?
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.
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.
What is the difference between morphea and scleroderma?
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 does morphea look like when it starts?
In general, morphea causes discolored, thickened patches of skin that are oval in shape. 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.
How do you treat morphea at home?
5 Ways to Relieve Morphea Itch
- Moisturize 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 does scleroderma skin feel like?
Symptoms of scleroderma may include: Thickening and swelling of the fingers. Pale fingers that may become numb and tingle when exposed to cold or stress, known as Raynaud’s phenomenon. Joint pain.
What autoimmune disease causes morphea?
It is thought to be isolated to the skin without internal organ involvement as seen in systemic sclerosis (commonly known as scleroderma). Morphea is an autoimmune disorder (such as type I diabetes, lupus, vitiligo, or multiple sclerosis, among others).
Can you get rid of 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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iM5s3Ljrbc