Morphea, an Unusual Skin Condition

Q:  I have developed a skin condition called morphea that has the appearance of white blotches. I've since learned that the condition can resolve and then return, stay in one place or spread, and can involve other organs. I am mostly affected on my right leg from the knee to the ankle. I was told by a friend that I should check out an Internet Web site on morphea and found the information frightening. Can you offer me any encouragement?

A:  Morphea is an unusual skin condition. Have your family doctor refer you to a dermatologist. I reviewed your letter with Janet Fairley, MD, Professor of Dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She described morphea as a disorder of unknown cause more common in women than in men that arises most commonly between the ages of 20 and 40. There are no treatments that work uniformly well. The lesions undergo spontaneous resolution after three to five years, but color changes at the site can last much longer.

She said there is also a condition called lipodermatosclerosis (LDS) that is an unusual variant of stasis dermatitis that can mimic morphea.

As to the frightening information on the Internet, discuss what you read with your doctor. Much of the medical information found there is unfiltered. If you want to surf with regard to medical issues, start with medical school web sites (like MCW HealthLink), government web sites, and major professional society web sites.

"Your Health" provides easy-to-understand information about common health conditions.