$Unique_ID{BRK02027}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Diagnosis and Treatment of Morphea}
$Subject{Morphea dermatology allergic reaction allergic reactions allergy
allergies skin hyperpigmentation hypopigmentation linear scleroderma serum
autoantibody abnormalities lichen sclerosus et atrophicus vitiligo Borrelia
burgdorferi Lyme Disease cortisone rash rashes}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Skin*0006701.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Diagnosis and Treatment of Morphea


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QUESTION:  Can you please tell me what you know about a skin condition known
as Morphea?  About three years ago I noticed a redness in areas under my
breast as elsewhere on my skin.  At first my dermatologist suspected some type
of allergic reaction, but though I changed my detergent, perfume and bath soap
there was no noticeable change.  Now another doctor has performed a biopsy
with the resultant diagnosis of "morphea".  What does all of this mean?  I was
told that nothing much can be done about it.

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ANSWER:  Morphea is a puzzle indeed.  Morphea is characterized by patches of
thickened skin with hyperpigmentation (increased pigmentation)  or
hypopigmentation (decreased pigmentation), and a purple colored border around
the lesion.  Another type of morphea, generalized morphea, has more numerous
and larger patches than morphea, and can be located in various areas of skin
about the body.  Morphea, as well as generalized morphea, and a condition
known as linear scleroderma, are all related.  Linear scleroderma presents
with bands of skin thickening.  Like linear scleroderma, morphea and
generalized morphea are associated with serum autoantibody abnormalities, a
clue to an allergic origin.  Other possible clues to its etiology are its
association with lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, some autoimmune diseases such
as vitiligo (a condition which displays changes in skin pigmentation), and a
commonly believed relationship to infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the
organism that causes Lyme Disease.
     A number of blood tests are available to help isolate the specific cause
of your particular skin rash, but often the results are inconclusive.  If a
specific cause can be determined, than the therapies used for that disease
could be helpful, for example antibiotics if your morphea does have an
association with an borellia infection.  When no reason can be discovered,
some of the symptoms can be controlled with local medications.  For itchiness,
cortisone-like creams applied directly to the rash can often offer you the
relief you are seeking.  For the most part, the condition is relatively
benign, and though it may be a chronic complaint, seldom affects your life
expectancy.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.