There is no cure for morphea. Treatment is aimed at controlling the signs and symptoms and slowing the spread of the disease. The precise treatment depends on the extent and severity of the condition.
Some people with mild morphea may choose to defer treatment. For people
with morphea involving only the skin who want treatment, treatment may
involve UVA1 phototherapy (or else broad band UVA, narrow band UVB, or
PUVA), tacrolimus ointment, or steroid shots. Other treatment options
include high potency steroid creams, vitamin D analog creams, or
imiquimod. If a persons morphea is rapidly progressive, severe, or
causing significant disability treatment options may include systemic
steroids (glucocorticoids) and methotrexate. People with morphea should
be monitored for joint changes and referred for physical and
occupational therapy as appropriate.[5]
Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.
Nonprofit support and advocacy groups bring together patients, families, medical professionals, and researchers. These groups often raise awareness, provide support, and develop patient-centered information. Many are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct people to research, resources, and services. Many groups also have experts who serve as medical advisors. Visit their website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD. Suggest an organization to add.
These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.
The following diseases are related to Morphea. If you have a question about any of these diseases, you can contact GARD.
Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question
I was diagnosed with morphea on my trunk in 1987. Treatment with penicillamine and Accutane was unsuccessful. After about 5 years, the condition went into remission. About seven years later the morphea returned, this time on my lower legs and feet. It has been treated with various medications and treatments without success. My doctors have told me that there is nothing that can be done. What treatments are recommended for morphea? See answer
Can a mother pass morphea on to her child if it is active during the pregnancy? See answer
What is morphea and atrophoderma of Pierini and Pasini? How is atrophoderma of Pierini and Pasini treated? See answer
I was diagnosed with generalized morphea 4 years ago. Although it appears to be fading away, the pain has increased. Could this indicate that I am developing scleroderma inside my organs? How would I tell if this is the case? Can I possibly die from either of these diseases? See answer
