Jaishree Sharad
Localised scleroderma also known as Morphea is chronic inflammatory condition of the connective tissue, the aetiology of which is unknown. Skin hyperemia is seen in the early inflammatory stage. This is followed by fibrosis, sclerosis, and atrophy with hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation. The disease is rare and is seen more often in young adults. Localized scleroderma is seen as generalized, guttate, nodular (keloidal), subcutaneous (morphea profunda), and linear scleroderma, including en coup de sabre morphea. Therapeutic options include corticosteroids, methotrexate, calcipotriol, imiquimod, tacrolimus, ultraviolet A and CO2 fractional laser treatment. Although these modalities help to stop the progression of the disease and the disorder itself is not life threating, atrophic scars and hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation that are seen are permanent. There is disfigurement in approximately 50% of patients and this disfigurement can have a huge negative impact and even cause a low self-esteem in the patient.