Controversy around the morphea

Abstract

Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a chronic, autoimmune disease of connective tissue. It is characterized by a typical clinical feature. In morphea, there is no Raynaud's phenomenon, no sclerodactyly or no ulcerations on the fingertips. Although morphea and systemic sclerosis have been perceived as separate disease entities for years, they are still confused both by patients (which is a source of unnecessary stress) and doctors. This may be due to, in part, misunderstood terminology. The controversy around morphea also concerns the division of this disease entity, including its less common subtypes, such as eosinophilic fasciitis. Discussions also revolve around the diagnostic aspects and possible treatment options. The paper attempts to present the debatable aspects regarding nomenclature, classification, diagnosis and treatment of morphea.

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“…Bei oberflächlichen Läsionen bleiben topische Glukokortikosteroide, lokale Calcineurin-Inhibitoren und Phototherapie die Hauptpfeiler der Behandlung [7]. Insbesondere die UVA-1-Phototherapie stellt eine effektive entzündungshemmende Behandlungsmethode dar, die die Fibroblastenfunktion beeinflusst und einen signifikanten Effekt auf den Kollagenstoffwechsel aufweist [8].…”