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Morphea

Erik Colegrove, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A benign inflammatory skin disorder leading to excessive collagen deposition resulting in thickening and sclerosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissues with characteristic plaque for...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Patient describes slowly progressive skin changes over months. Coin-sized lesions slowly enlarge over weeks to months.

  • Rarely, the lesions can cause some discomfort.

  • Usually, there are ...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

  • Topical local agents should be considered for superficial lesions that do not cross the joint surface, while deeper and joint crossing lesions favor oral systemic therapies

  • Active l...

ONGOING CARE

Lesions may self-resolve over 3 to 5 years. Recommend evaluation of joints, eyes, and CNS for involvement throughout course of active disease. Many patients with plaque form will progress...

REFERENCES

1
LaChance A, Goldman N, Kassamali B, et al. Immunologic underpinnings and treatment of morphea. Expert RevClinImmunol. 2022;18(5):461-483. doi:10.1080/1744666X.2022.2063841
2
Zulian F, Culpo ...

ADDITIONAL READING

Florez-Pollack S, Kunzler E, Jacobe HT. Morphea: current concepts. Clin Dermatol. 2018Jul-Aug;36(4):475-486.  

CODES

ICD10

  • L94.0 Localized scleroderma [morphea]

  • L94.1 Linear scleroderma

SNOMED

  • 201049004 Morphea (disorder)

  • 128458002 plaque morphea (disorder)

  • 7513007 Generalized morphea

  • 22784002 Linear scleroderma (dis...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Morphea lesions are well-circumscribed plaques that are firm, waxy, and have an ivory color. They are usually multiple, start small, and may slowly enlarge over time. Presence on the t...

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