Morphea is a rare skin condition wherein certain areas of skin get thickened and dry forming lesions. Hardening of skin occurs in the abdomen and back regions and sometimes on the chest. For some people skin thickening is destined to specific organs or parts of the body but for others it is generalized. In addition to the skin changes, the underlying tissues and even the bones also gets hardened in morphea. In severe forms this condition can reduce the joint movements causing trouble in walking and eating. Exact cause of morphea is not known and treatments are available in the form of therapies and drugs.
Morphea Causes :
It is not known how skin changes occur in affected individuals. It is believed to occur due to environmental as well as genetic factors. Scientifically, collagen production in the skin becomes over-activated and sensitive releasing large amounts which in turn get deposited in the dermis layer. But it is not clear what triggers such reaction. This event would gradually damage and destroy the underlying blood vessel which releases cytokines which leads to scarring of skin and hardening of skin.
Some experts believe morphea occurs due to the response of immune disorder. The body’s immune system gets triggered resulting in over-production of cytokines causing thickened skin. For some people morphea occurs after undergoing radiation treatment and if they have recently been infected by chickenpox or measles virus. Certain autoimmune disorders like diabetes, thyroid problems and lichen planus can also cause morphea.
Classification Of Morphea and Symptoms :
Morphea can be grouped according to the part or region that is affected.
- Plaque Morphea – This kind of morphea would cause hardened skin on the trunk (abdomen) and limbs area. Oval shaped patches measuring 5-20 cm in diameter are found in the skin. The color of such patches may vary from ivory white to light brown. For some people plaqaue like lesions are found on the hips and even on the breasts. In severe cases, it can affect the underlying tissues and bones.
- Generalized Morphea – This category of morphea is not quite common. Here plaque like lesions affects more than two regions of the body.
- Superficial Morphea – This type is found in aged women affecting the armpits, groin and breasts region wherein there is folded skin.
- Pansclerotic Morphea – This type rarely occurs in children causing hardening of skin and muscle and sometimes even the underlying bones. Bone growth is not normal in such children causing contractures and ulcers.
- Atrophoderma – In this type subcutaneous tissue of the skin is totally lost causing depression under the skin. This category is very rare.
Symptoms :