Morphea (localized scleroderma)

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.