MORPHEA
Synonyms/subtypes: Localized scleroderma Circumscribed scleroderma Plaque-type morphea Linear morphea – linear scleroderma Morphea en coup de sabre – scleroderma en coup de sabre Deep morphea – morphea profunda
Key features
Asymmetric sclerotic plaques, usually 2–15 cm in diameter
Active lesions can have a lilac border with central hypo- or dyspig- mentation, while inactive lesions often become hyperpigmented
The sclerosis may extend deeply into the fat or underlying struc- tures (e.g. fascia, muscle, bone), causing disability
With the exception of ocular or neurologic symptoms in patients with linear morphea of the head, associated systemic disease is not observed
Often progresses for several years, then regresses; the linear subtype is usually persistent