What does Morphea scleroderma look like?
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. A gradual change in the affected skin, which becomes firm, thickened, dry and shiny.
Is Morphea scleroderma fatal?
Localized scleroderma is not a fatal disease, but quality of life is often adversely affected because of changes in the appearance of the skin, the occurrence of joint contractures that affect movement, and, rarely, serious deformities of the face and extremities.
Is Morphea a symptom of scleroderma?
Morphea is a skin condition that causes patches of reddish skin that thicken into firm, oval-shaped areas. It is a form of scleroderma.
What’s 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.
Does morphea make you tired?
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.
What is scleroderma derma?
Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a chronic connective tissue disease generally classified as one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The word “scleroderma” comes from the Greek word “sclero,” meaning hard, and the Latin word “derma,” meaning skin.
What is the most fatal autoimmune disease?
Giant cell myocarditis: most fatal of autoimmune diseases.
Is sun good for morphea?
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.
How rare is morphea scleroderma?
Morphea is a rare type of skin condition that results in areas of skin becoming hardened and discolored. These plaques can occur on several areas, including the face and neck, hands, feet, back, and chest. Morphea may also appear on the legs and arms. It affects fewer than 3 out of every 100,000 people.
How do you get rid of morphea?
Treatment
- Medicated creams. Your doctor may prescribe a vitamin D cream, such as calcipotriene, to help soften the skin patches.
- Light therapy. For severe or widespread morphea, treatment may include the use of ultraviolet light (phototherapy).
- Oral medications.
- Physical therapy.
Can collagen supplements cause scleroderma?
But there’s no evidence for or against the possibility of collagen supplements causing scleroderma, said Dr. Fredrick M. Wigley, the director of the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center, noting that it’s unstudied but biologically unlikely.
