When I was in my early years of elementary school, roughly 23 years ago, I was diagnosed with a skin and muscle disease called Linear Morphea Scleroderma. The disease was mainly affecting my lower ... Morphoea (American spelling, morphea) is characterised by an area of inflammation and fibrosis (thickening and hardening) of the skin due to increased collagen deposition.

Understanding the Context

It is also known as localised scleroderma. The term 'scleroderma' covers various types of morphoea and systemic sclerosis. Morphea is a form of scleroderma that mainly involves isolated patches of hardened skin on the face, hands, and feet, or anywhere else on the body, usually with no internal organ involvement. [1] Morphea scleroderma, more commonly known as morphea, is a skin condition characterized by discolored and thickened patches of skin on various areas of the body.

Key Insights

Morphea (syn. localized scleroderma) occurs as a result of autoimmune fibrosing (leather-like) injury to the skin and sometimes the underlying fat, muscle and bone. Morphea (localized scleroderma) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease with variable clinical presentations, with an annual incidence of 0.4–2.7 cases per 100,000. Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a chronic inflammatory connective tissue disorder with variable clinical presentations, that affects both adults and children. Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a disorder characterized by excessive collagen deposition leading to thickening of the dermis, subcutaneous tissues, or both.

Final Thoughts

Get an overview of morphea, including morphea symptoms, causes, treatment, risk factors for the disease, and potential complications. Learn more about types of morphea, including linear, profunda and localized morphea, more accurately known as localized scleroderma.