Localised Scleroderma (Morphoea)

What is localised scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a condition that causes areas of the skin to become harder than usual, hence the name 'scleroderma' which means 'hard skin'. There are two kinds of scleroderma.

• Localised scleroderma (also known as morphoea) only affects the skin.
• Systemic sclerosis affects the skin, but may also involve the body's internal organs.

What are the symptoms of localised scleroderma?

Localised scleroderma usually comes on gradually. Areas of the skin may be thickened and discoloured, and hair may be lost over the area of scleroderma. There are different types of localised scleroderma, and the most common ones are:

• Plaque morphoea - these are oval patches that can range from 2 to 20 cm across. They start off mauve in colour, then gradually become white. Older patches may become brown. The surface is smooth, shiny and hairless. One or more plaques may develop in different areas of the skin. This type mainly affects adults and usually has no other symptoms or problems, although the affected skin can look unsightly.
• Superficial morphoea - is similar to the plaque-type. It is typically seen as symmetrical mauve-coloured patches, usually in skin folds of the groin, armpits or under breasts. This type is most commonly found in middle aged women.
• Linear scleroderma - usually occurs on an arm or leg of a child. It is a long, narrow area of thickened skin. In more severe cases the tissues just beneath the skin are affected which may cause contractures (scarring) underneath the skin.
• En coup de sabre - this is a deep form of linear scleroderma affecting the scalp and temple. The name comes from its shape, meaning 'like a sword cut". Hair is lost over the affected skin, and the skull bone may be shrunk underneath it.

There are some other very rare types too which include generalised morphoea (where the plaque form of the condition appears to cover large areas of the skin).

Are there any complications of localised scleroderma?

Usually, localised scleroderma does not cause any complications. It is not linked to the systemic sclerosis form of scleroderma, and does not involve internal organs.

Some types of localised scleroderma may affect not only the skin, but the tissues directly underneath it such as bone or muscle. This only happens in the deeper types of scleroderma (linear scleroderma and en coup de sabre). In this situation, the scleroderma can affect growth in the underlying tissues, and so may cause some degree of deformity. About one third of people with deep localised scleroderma have this type of problem. Rarely, if the affected skin is located on the head, the brain or eye can be affected.

What causes localised scleroderma?

The cause is not clear. What is known is that cells called fibroblasts make too much of a protein called collagen. The collagen gets deposited in the skin causing fibrosis (scarring and thickening).

It is not known why the fibroblasts produce too much collagen in the areas of affected skin. It is probably some fault with the immune system.

How common is localised scleroderma?

Localised scleroderma is uncommon. The exact number of people affected is not known. However, it is thought that quite a number of cases are not diagnosed. This is because many people who have a small plaque or two of localised scleroderma that cause no symptoms may not report it to a doctor.

How is localised scleroderma diagnosed?

Localised scleroderma can usually be recognised by its appearance. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a biopsy. A biopsy is where a small sample of skin is removed under local anaesthetic and examined under the microscope. In some cases an MRI scan may be used to assess whether the scleroderma is affecting tissues underneath the skin.

What is the treatment for localised scleroderma?

The commonest form, plaque morphoea, does not always need treatment. This form often does not cause symptoms and often gradually improves or clears away after a number of years. However, strong steroid creams or ointments are sometimes used as they may help to prevent progression.

For other types of localised scleroderma, treatment will vary depending on the individual situation, the severity of the condition and whether underlying tissues are affected. One or more of the following treatments may be used:

• Cream or ointment containing calcipotriene.
• Ultraviolet light therapy (PUVA, UVA-1 or broadband UVA).
• High dose steroids.
• Medicines affecting the immune system such as methotrexate, ciclosporin, or hydroxycholoroquine.
• Physiotherapy or surgery may help if the skin is very tight; or if there is a deformity or scar underneath the skin.
• Some newer treatments are: laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and autologous tissue injection. These are still under research.

What is the outlook (prognosis)?

With the plaque morphoea type of localised scleroderma, in many cases the plaques last 3-5 years before softening and fading. The affected areas of skin may gradually go back to normal, but a brown stain may remain and sometimes a small depressed area of skin. However, in some cases the plaques remain for many years.

Linear-type localised scleroderma tends to persist for longer, but may improve after several years. However, linear-type localised scleroderma, especially the 'en coup de sabre' subtype, may become more extensive with time. This may cause severe contractures that result in limited movement and permanent disability of an arm or leg. Damage to underlying brain and eye tissue is a potential serious complication of the 'en coup de sabre' subtype.

Further help and information

Scleroderma Society

Tel: 0800 311 2756
Advice Line is 0800 311 2756 (freephone from UK)
Web: www.sclerodermasociety.co.uk

For websites that give pictures of skin conditions see www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/1097/