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Localised scleroderma (morphoea)
Localised scleroderma is a distinct condition separate from systemic sclerosis. Localised scleroderma (also known as morphoea) affects only the skin; localised scleroderma does not affect any internal organs, as these are only affected in systemic sclerosis. Localised scleroderma is more common in children than adults. The word "scleroderma" comes from the Greek meaning "hard skin". Localised scleroderma causes one or more patches of hard or thickened skin.
There are various types of localised scleroderma:
- plaque morphoea (discrete patches over the body);
- linear morphoea (lines of thickened skin across limbs);
- en coup sabre (linear morphoea affecting the face and scalp).
Read more about localised scleroderma and approaches to treatment (PDF).
