Morphea
By Alan W. Friedman, M.D., University of Texas/Houston, Health
Science Center, Dept. of Internal Medicine/Rheumatology (originally
published in "Scleroderma Voice," 2001 #3)
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Alan
W. Friedman, M.D. |
Question: What is severe generalized morphea? What
action can be taken to prevent generalized morphea from progressing?
I have heard something about light treatment. I have also
heard that morphea does not turn into systemic sclerosis.
Is this true?
Answer: Morphea is a
form of "localized" scleroderma, rather than "systemic"
scleroderma.
The other major localized form is called "linear scleroderma,"
which looks almost like someone took a knife and cut a line
across the skin.
"Localized" means it is confined to the skin and
does not cause collagen deposition in internal organs (intestinal
tract, lungs, kidneys, etc.). It can range from a few small
spots on the skin to a more generalized problem, but it does
not turn into systemic scleroderma (assuming the diagnosis
is correct).
I know that some scleroderma experts use methotrexate for
the most severe forms (including severe linear scleroderma),
and while I have not seen patients treated with light, I can
see how it might work. This is something you should discuss
with your treating physician. I would try to find a dermatologist
who has expertise in scleroderma for an opinion. |
