Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Morphea and other localized forms of scleroderma
Rebecca Vasquez1, Chelsea Sendejo, Heidi Jacobe
1Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9069, USA.
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|September 29, 2012
Summary
New developments in morphea, or localized scleroderma, include validated outcome measures and consensus treatment recommendations. Future evidence-based treatments promise improved patient care and understanding of its pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Morphea (localized scleroderma) involves excessive collagen deposition, leading to skin and subcutaneous tissue thickening.
- This condition can cause significant patient morbidity and requires effective management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the evaluation and management of morphea.
- To discuss new findings in the pathophysiology of localized scleroderma.
- To equip readers with updated knowledge for improved patient care.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on morphea.
- Analysis of newly developed outcome measures and treatment guidelines.
- Examination of emerging research into the immunological basis of the disease.
Main Results:
- Validated outcome measures, such as the localized scleroderma cutaneous assessment tool, have been developed.
- Consensus treatment recommendations offer a framework for interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Initial investigations into the immunological underpinnings of morphea are underway.
Conclusions:
- Evidence-based treatments for morphea are anticipated in the near future.
- Improved understanding of morphea's pathophysiology will facilitate the development of novel therapies.
- These advancements collectively aim to enhance patient care for localized scleroderma.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Healing II: Complications
Complications during healing arise when tissue repair is altered by local or systemic factors. These changes involve abnormal collagen deposition, altered biomechanics, and reduced vascular supply, impairing restoration of normal structure and function.Loss of FunctionScar tissue differs significantly from the original tissue it replaces. In the skin, fibrosis lacks adnexal structures such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Their absence reduces tactile sensitivity, impairs...
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Papillary Dermis
Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...

