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MorpheaMMorpheaMorpheaEnglishDermatologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)SkinSkinConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2019-06-06T04:00:00Z8.0000000000000061.10000000000001068.00000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Morphea scleroderma is a rare condition in which the skin becomes thick and hard due to excess collagen. Learn about possible treatments for morphea.<br></p><h2>What is morphea?</h2><p>Morphea is a skin condition known as localized scleroderma, meaning "hard skin." The skin becomes thick and hard because it contains too much collagen and other proteins. </p><p>There are two types of scleroderma: a systemic type and a localized type. Localized scleroderma must not be confused with systemic scleroderma. The localized type affects the skin only and does not affect the internal organs. </p><p>There are several subtypes of morphea, depending on the appearance and extent of the skin lesions. The separation helps to decide on the proper management.<br></p><h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Morphea is an uncommon condition that causes skin to harden and look bruised.</li><li>Morphea is treated with creams, ointments and/or medications.</li> <li>The active inflammation of morphea stops after several years.</li></ul><figure> <span class="asset-image-title">Plaque morphea</span> <img alt="Plaque morphea on ankle" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Morphea_2_MEDIMG_PHO_EN.jpg" /> </figure> <h2>Morphea looks like discoloured patches on the skin</h2><p>Morphea appears as patches called "plaques" or "lesions" on the skin. It usually begins with a whitish patch with a purple border. It often starts with the appearance of a bruise. However, it can look very different from person to person. There are several types of morphea, and each type looks a little different: </p><ul><li>Plaque morphea usually begins with a reddish patch that, over time, becomes an oval shape with a yellow or ivory colour in the centre and purple at the edges. It may feel thick, firm and waxy, and may look shiny. It often has the appearance of a bruise. It can look very different from person to person. As morphea progresses, the affected skin may change. The veins under the skin may show more clearly. The affected skin may look thinner and may look raised or sunken compared to the skin around it.<br></li><li>Generalized morphea occurs when many plaques are noted or more than one body part is affected.<br></li><li>Linear morphea looks similar to plaque morphea, except it tends to follow a line along an arm or leg.</li><li>Pansclerotic morphea is a very rare variant of morphea where most of the skin becomes hard and stiff.</li></ul><p>As morphea progresses, the affected skin may change. The veins under the skin may show more clearly. The affected skin may look thinner, and may look raised or sunken compared to the skin around it. </p><h2>Morphea is rare and there is no known cause<br></h2> <p>Sometimes morphea seems to happen after an injury. Morphea may be the result of an overactive immune system (autoimmune disease). Morphea is not contagious.<br></p><h2>Morphea is diagnosed by history and examination</h2><p>The doctor might take a small part of the skin to send to the lab for tests. This is called a biopsy. There is no blood test to confirm the diagnosis for morphea, although the doctors will ask for tests to look for functioning of other organs.<br></p><h2>There are several treatments for morphea</h2><p>Morphea can be treated, but it cannot be cured. Treatment can reduce the inflammation, stop lesions from spreading and prevent new lesions from appearing. </p><h3>Creams, ointments and medication</h3><p>You may be given ointments or creams to put on your child's skin.</p><p>Your child may need stronger medication, such as <a href="/Article?contentid=221&language=English">prednisone</a> or <a href="/Article?contentid=185&language=English">methotrexate</a>, if the morphea: </p><ul><li>is spreading rapidly</li><li>affects a younger child</li><li>affects large areas</li></ul><p>Your child may need regular blood tests to monitor the effects and possible side effects of the medication. </p><h3>Monitoring</h3><p>At each clinic visit, your child's skin will be examined. Photographs will be taken to help keep track of changes in the morphea.</p><p>Ultrasound or MRI may be used to see if the morphea has affected the deeper tissues under the skin.</p><h3>Physiotherapy</h3><p>Children with limitation in movement may benefit from therapy to increase the function of the joint.</p><h3>Surgery</h3><p>Some children with morphea may be candidates for orthopaedic or plastic surgery to deal with scarring or deformities and can be referred for a consultation.</p><h2>Skin changes</h2><p>When the disease becomes inactive, the affected skin may become darker than the rest of the skin. Additionally, hardening of the skin may leave permanent scarring. Loss of fat may make the skin appear thinner with more visible vessels.</p><h2>Musculoskeletal involvement</h2><p>Some patients may have arthritis or develop limitation in the movement of a joint. Rarely, deeper involvement of the muscle and fascia (connective tissue) may occur.</p><h2>Deformity</h2><p>The affected area may look smaller. The difference in size compared with the normal side may become more obvious when the child grows, even if the disease is no longer active.</p><p>If your child is on methotrexate or prednisone and becomes unwell, has fever or has been exposed to chickenpox and is not vaccinated, stop the medication and contact your child’s health-care team for further information.</p>
MorphéeMMorphéeMorpheaFrenchDermatologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)SkinSkinConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2019-06-06T04:00:00Z7.0000000000000068.0000000000000640.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>La sclérodermie localisée (morphée) est un trouble rare caractérisé par l’épaississement et le durcissement de la peau en raison d’un excès de collagène. Apprenez-en davantage sur les traitements possibles de la morphée.</p><figure><span class="asset-image-title">Morphée ou sclérodermie en plaque</span><img alt="Plaque morphea sur la cheville" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Morphea_2_MEDIMG_PHO_EN.jpg" /></figure> <h2>Qu’est-ce que la morphée?</h2><p>La morphée est une maladie de la peau connue sous le nom de sclérodermie localisée qui signifie « peau dure ». La présence de collagène et d’autres protéines en quantité excessive dans la peau cause son épaississement et son durcissement.</p><p>Il existe deux types de sclérodermie, soit la forme systémique et la forme localisée. Il ne faut pas confondre un type avec l’autre; la forme localisée se limite à la peau et les organes internes sont exempts de la maladie.</p><p>On peut distinguer plusieurs sous-types de morphée selon l’apparence et l’étendue des lésions cutanées. Préciser le type de la maladie permet de mieux la gérer.</p><h2>À retenir</h2><ul><li>La morphée est un trouble peu courant caractérisé par la peau qui se durcit et semble meurtrie.</li><li>La maladie se traite par l’application topique de crèmes ou d’onguents, ou par l’administration de médicaments.</li><li>La phase d’inflammation active de la maladie s’éteint après quelques années.</li></ul><h2>La peau présente des plaques décolorées caractéristiques de la maladie</h2><p>Des plaques ou des lésions apparaissent sur la peau. On observe, au début, une plaque légèrement blanche avec une bordure violette, souvent confondue avec une lésion. Son apparence peut varier grandement d’une personne à l’autre. Il existe plusieurs types de morphée et chaque type est légèrement différent :</p><ul><li>La morphée en plaques commence généralement avec l’apparition d’une plaque rougeâtre qui, au fil du temps, s’arrondit pour prendre une forme ovale dont le centre jaunâtre ou ivoire est bordé d’une marge violette. D’apparence parfois brillante, elle peut aussi être épaisse au toucher, ferme et d’aspect cireux. Elle ressemble souvent à une lésion. Son apparence peut varier beaucoup d’une personne à l’autre. La peau change au fur et à mesure que la maladie progresse. Les veines sous la peau peuvent devenir visibles. La peau peut sembler plus mince et soulevée ou enfoncée par endroits.</li><li>On parle de morphée généralisée en présence d’un grand nombre de plaques et que plus d’une partie du corps en est atteinte.</li><li>La morphée linéaire ressemble à la morphée en plaques, sauf qu’elle a tendance à suivre une ligne le long du bras ou de la jambe.</li><li>La morphée pansclérotique est une variante très rare caractérisée par la plus grande partie de la peau qui s’endurcit et se raidit.</li></ul><p>Au fur et à mesure que la morphée évolue, la peau affectée peut changer. Les veines sous la peau peuvent devenir plus visibles. La peau affectée peut avoir l’air amincie et soulevée ou enfoncée en comparaison du pourtour.</p><h2>La morphée est rare et la cause n'est pas connue<br></h2><p>La maladie semble parfois survenir à la suite d’un accident et peut résulter de l’hyperactivité du système immunitaire (maladie auto-immune). La maladie n’est pas contagieuse.</p><h2>Le diagnostic de la morphée est effectué au moyen de l’examen et de la recherche des antécédents médicaux</h2><p>Il se peut que le médecin prélève de petits morceaux de peau et les envoie au laboratoire pour des tests (biopsie). Aucune analyse sanguine ne permet de confirmer le diagnostic de la morphée, bien que le médecin prescrive des tests pour vérifier le fonctionnement des autres organes.</p><h2>Plusieurs traitements existent</h2><p>La morphée peut être traitée, mais elle ne se guérit pas. Le traitement peut réduire l’inflammation, freiner la propagation des lésions et prévenir l’apparition de nouvelles lésions.</p><h3>Crèmes, onguents et médicaments</h3><p>Des crèmes ou des onguents en application topique peuvent être recommandés à votre enfant.</p><p>Des médicaments plus puissants comme la <a href="/Article?contentid=221&language=French">prednisone</a> ou le <a href="/Article?contentid=185&language=French">méthotrexate</a> peuvent être prescrits si nécessaires à votre enfant dans le cas où la morphée :</p><ul><li>se propage rapidement</li><li>atteint un jeune enfant</li><li>couvre de très grandes surfaces du corps</li></ul><p>Il pourrait s’avérer nécessaire de pratiquer des analyses sanguines régulièrement pour surveiller l’utilité ou les effets secondaires des médicaments.</p><h3>Surveillance</h3><p>La peau de votre enfant sera examinée lors de chaque visite à la clinique. Des photos seront prises pour suivre l’évolution de la maladie.</p><p>L’échographie ou l’IRM peuvent être utilisés pour vérifier si les tissus sous-cutanés sont atteints.</p><h3>Physiothérapie</h3><p>Les enfants dont les mouvements sont limités pourraient tirer des bienfaits de traitements de physiothérapie visant à améliorer la mobilité de leurs articulations.</p><h3>Opération</h3><p>Certains enfants atteints de la maladie pourraient bénéficier d’une opération d'orthopédie ou d’une chirurgie plastique afin de pallier aux déformations ou à la cicatrisation excessive. Pour ce, ils seront aiguillés vers un spécialiste pour une consultation.</p><h2>Modifications de la peau</h2><p>Lorsque la maladie s’estompe, la peau touchée peut prendre une teinte foncée par rapport aux zones voisines. De plus, le durcissement de la peau peut occasionner des cicatrices permanentes. La perte de gras peut donner l’impression que la peau est plus mince et rendre les vaisseaux sanguins plus visibles.</p><h2>Participation musculosquelettique</h2><p>Chez certains patients, l’arthrite peut se développer et gêner l’amplitude du mouvement de leurs articulations. Le muscle et la fascia (tissu conjonctif) situés plus en profondeur sont rarement touchés.</p><h2>Déformation</h2><p>La zone touchée peut sembler se rétrécir. À mesure que l’enfant grandira, même si la maladie disparaît complètement, on pourra observer des différences de taille entre la surface touchée et la surface saine.</p><p>Dans le cas où l’on administre du méthotrexate ou de la prednisone à votre enfant et qu’il ne se sent pas bien, a de la fièvre ou qu’il a été exposé à la varicelle sans être vacciné, cessez de lui administrer les médicaments et communiquez avec l’équipe de soins de santé de votre enfant pour obtenir davantage de renseignements.</p>

 

 

 

 

Morphea916.000000000000MorpheaMorpheaMEnglishDermatologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)SkinSkinConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2019-06-06T04:00:00Z8.0000000000000061.10000000000001068.00000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Morphea scleroderma is a rare condition in which the skin becomes thick and hard due to excess collagen. Learn about possible treatments for morphea.<br></p><h2>What is morphea?</h2><p>Morphea is a skin condition known as localized scleroderma, meaning "hard skin." The skin becomes thick and hard because it contains too much collagen and other proteins. </p><p>There are two types of scleroderma: a systemic type and a localized type. Localized scleroderma must not be confused with systemic scleroderma. The localized type affects the skin only and does not affect the internal organs. </p><p>There are several subtypes of morphea, depending on the appearance and extent of the skin lesions. The separation helps to decide on the proper management.<br></p><h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Morphea is an uncommon condition that causes skin to harden and look bruised.</li><li>Morphea is treated with creams, ointments and/or medications.</li> <li>The active inflammation of morphea stops after several years.</li></ul><figure> <span class="asset-image-title">Plaque morphea</span> <img alt="Plaque morphea on ankle" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Morphea_2_MEDIMG_PHO_EN.jpg" /> </figure> <h2>Morphea looks like discoloured patches on the skin</h2><p>Morphea appears as patches called "plaques" or "lesions" on the skin. It usually begins with a whitish patch with a purple border. It often starts with the appearance of a bruise. However, it can look very different from person to person. There are several types of morphea, and each type looks a little different: </p><ul><li>Plaque morphea usually begins with a reddish patch that, over time, becomes an oval shape with a yellow or ivory colour in the centre and purple at the edges. It may feel thick, firm and waxy, and may look shiny. It often has the appearance of a bruise. It can look very different from person to person. As morphea progresses, the affected skin may change. The veins under the skin may show more clearly. The affected skin may look thinner and may look raised or sunken compared to the skin around it.<br></li><li>Generalized morphea occurs when many plaques are noted or more than one body part is affected.<br></li><li>Linear morphea looks similar to plaque morphea, except it tends to follow a line along an arm or leg.</li><li>Pansclerotic morphea is a very rare variant of morphea where most of the skin becomes hard and stiff.</li></ul><p>As morphea progresses, the affected skin may change. The veins under the skin may show more clearly. The affected skin may look thinner, and may look raised or sunken compared to the skin around it. </p><h2>Morphea is rare and there is no known cause<br></h2> <p>Sometimes morphea seems to happen after an injury. Morphea may be the result of an overactive immune system (autoimmune disease). Morphea is not contagious.<br></p><p>Morphea is unpredictable. Most children have the disease for months or years before it is recognized or diagnosed. Even without treatment, morphea stops being active and usually "burns out" after three to five years.</p><p>The disease has three phases:</p><ul><li>an early inflammatory phase that presents as nonspecific redness</li><li>a second inflammatory phase, which typically presents with a hardened middle of white discolouration with a red-purple border</li><li>a burnt-out phase, appearing as increased colour, thinning of the skin with more visible vessels or sunken skin layers (due to loss of fat)</li></ul><p>Some patients may have disease activity beyond the three to five years that requires longer-term treatment.</p><h2>Morphea is diagnosed by history and examination</h2><p>The doctor might take a small part of the skin to send to the lab for tests. This is called a biopsy. There is no blood test to confirm the diagnosis for morphea, although the doctors will ask for tests to look for functioning of other organs.<br></p><h2>There are several treatments for morphea</h2><p>Morphea can be treated, but it cannot be cured. Treatment can reduce the inflammation, stop lesions from spreading and prevent new lesions from appearing. </p><h3>Creams, ointments and medication</h3><p>You may be given ointments or creams to put on your child's skin.</p><p>Your child may need stronger medication, such as <a href="/Article?contentid=221&language=English">prednisone</a> or <a href="/Article?contentid=185&language=English">methotrexate</a>, if the morphea: </p><ul><li>is spreading rapidly</li><li>affects a younger child</li><li>affects large areas</li></ul><p>Your child may need regular blood tests to monitor the effects and possible side effects of the medication. </p><h3>Monitoring</h3><p>At each clinic visit, your child's skin will be examined. Photographs will be taken to help keep track of changes in the morphea.</p><p>Ultrasound or MRI may be used to see if the morphea has affected the deeper tissues under the skin.</p><h3>Physiotherapy</h3><p>Children with limitation in movement may benefit from therapy to increase the function of the joint.</p><h3>Surgery</h3><p>Some children with morphea may be candidates for orthopaedic or plastic surgery to deal with scarring or deformities and can be referred for a consultation.</p><h2>Skin changes</h2><p>When the disease becomes inactive, the affected skin may become darker than the rest of the skin. Additionally, hardening of the skin may leave permanent scarring. Loss of fat may make the skin appear thinner with more visible vessels.</p><h2>Musculoskeletal involvement</h2><p>Some patients may have arthritis or develop limitation in the movement of a joint. Rarely, deeper involvement of the muscle and fascia (connective tissue) may occur.</p><h2>Deformity</h2><p>The affected area may look smaller. The difference in size compared with the normal side may become more obvious when the child grows, even if the disease is no longer active.</p><p>Discuss the diagnosis openly with your child and provide reassurance.</p><p>Discuss the diagnosis with teachers, especially if your child will require multiple hospital visits and treatments, and to prevent bullying.</p><p>Seek reassurance and coping strategies from your child’s health-care team and ask for a referral to a mental health specialist if your child is becoming anxious or depressed or is facing bullying.</p><p>Encourage your child to be active.</p><p>Most of the complications related to the disease can be decreased by treating it early. Follow the health-care team’s recommendations for screening of associated complications. </p><p>If your child is on methotrexate or prednisone and becomes unwell, has fever or has been exposed to chickenpox and is not vaccinated, stop the medication and contact your child’s health-care team for further information.</p><h2>Outcome</h2><p>The active inflammation of morphea may last three to five years, even if not treated. Most children recover very well.</p><p>After the morphea is gone, there may be some change in the pigment (colour) of the skin.<br></p><p>The skin and other tissues may atrophy (shrink). The fatty tissue under the skin may disappear. This will make affected areas look thinner and have a different texture. </p><p>Permanent scarring or differences in the appearance or size/length of the extremity may occur.</p>https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Morphea_2_MEDIMG_PHO_EN.jpgMorpheaFalse

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