Recent developments in diagnosis and assessment of morphea

There is huge variation in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with morphea (localized scleroderma). In part, this variability results from the lack of validated methods to assess severity and outcomes with a consequent lack of adequate therapeutic trials. Evaluation is also hindered by lack of information regarding the impact of morphea on patients. Recent studies are addressing this gap in knowledge and include: development of clinical outcome measures, validation of imaging studies, publication of consensus treatment plans, and increased understanding of the impact of morphea on patients and parents. The purpose of this review is to summarize the results of these studies and to synthesize the information into a rational approach to the diagnosis and assessment of patients with morphea.