Morphea – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Morphea causes painless skin patches that look discolored. These patches often appear on the stomach, chest or back. However, they might show up on the face, arms and legs too.
Over time, affected skin becomes firm, dry and smooth. While morphea typically affects outer skin layers, some types reach deeper tissues and limit joint movement.
This condition usually gets better without treatment, though it often comes back. Patches may fade over months or years. The exact cause remains unknown, but researchers believe it might be an autoimmune response.
Several treatment options can help manage symptoms while waiting for natural improvement:
- Topical medications
- Light therapy
- Physical therapy (for joint movement issues)
- Systemic medications (for severe cases)
Regular check-ups help monitor the condition’s progress and adjust treatments as needed.
Symptoms
Morphea can show up in different ways on your skin. You might notice reddish or purple oval spots on your belly, chest or back.
These spots may change over time, developing a whitish area in the middle. Some people get streaks of affected skin on their arms, legs, forehead or scalp.
As the condition progresses, your skin becomes firm, thick, dry and shiny in the affected areas. Morphea doesn’t just affect the skin—it can also impact the tissue underneath and sometimes even reach the bone.
The good news is that morphea usually lasts for several years before getting better or disappearing on its own. However, it might leave behind scars or skin that’s darker or discolored.
Keep in mind that morphea can sometimes come back after it goes away.
When to See a Doctor
It’s important to contact your healthcare provider if you notice red patches of skin that feel hard or thick. Getting diagnosed and treated early may help slow down the development of new patches.
Early care also allows your doctor to find and address complications before they become more serious.
Causes
The exact cause of morphea remains unclear. Research suggests it might involve an abnormal immune system response. For those with higher risk, several triggers could start the disease, such as:
- Injuries to affected skin areas
- Certain medications
- Exposure to chemical toxins
- Infections
- Radiation treatment
Morphea cannot spread from person to person. It is not contagious in any way.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chance of developing morphea:
Race and Gender: White females have the highest rates of this condition.
Age: Morphea can start at any age, but it’s most common in children between 2 and 14 years old and in adults in their mid-40s.
Family History: This condition sometimes runs in families. People with morphea are more likely to have relatives with morphea or other autoimmune diseases.
Possible Complications
Morphea can lead to several problems that affect daily life and health. These issues range from physical to emotional challenges.
Self-image concerns often develop when morphea causes visible skin changes. When discolored patches appear on exposed areas like the face, arms, or legs, many people feel less confident about their appearance.
Limited movement may occur when morphea affects skin near joints. The hardened skin can restrict how well arms or legs bend and move.
Some people develop generalized morphea, where multiple patches of hardened, discolored skin seem to join together, affecting larger areas of the body.
Loss of normal skin functions happens gradually in affected areas. Hair follicles and sweat glands may stop working properly over time.
Children with morphea on the head or neck face a special risk of eye damage. This damage can happen without obvious symptoms but may cause permanent vision problems.
Treatment approaches vary based on the severity and location of morphea. Healthcare providers typically consider factors like:
- Age of the patient
- Areas of the body affected
- How quickly the condition is progressing
- Impact on daily activities
