Scleroderma Support Group

Scleroderma is a rare, chronic disease characterized by excessive deposits of collagen. Scleroderma affects the skin, and in more serious cases it can affect the blood vessels and internal organs. The most evident symptom is the hardening of the skin and associated scarring.

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Morphea Question

Toddo
Toddo
Hello everybody. I was just diagnosed with morphea (not sure what kind) at 40, although I've probably had it since my early teens. A flare up on an IV site was what led me to the doctor and now there are new patches active. I have two questions: 1) how likely is it that any type of morphea can progress to scleroderma and 2) does anyone see a link between stress and flare-ups?

Many thanks for any input,

T.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was diagnosed in Jan. I don't know if it leads to scleraderma or not.... I do think stress does lead to more discomfort when I am very tired it is worse... I am new to this ''morphea also am just learning...... Good luck I go to a new Dr. May 27th hope to have some answers then... jenney j
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was diagnosed with Scleroderma when I was 13 years old and in later years found out that I had generalized morphea. I've seen doctors at Johns Hopkins and was told that generalized morphea would not become anything more than that and that I had nothing to worry about. I haven't noticed any links between flareups and stress, but you may want to consult a dermatologist just to be sure. Where have you been affected with the flare ups? Are they affecting your hands and face? I'm here if you have any more questions or need to talk. There are all kinds of forms of Scleroderma - www.scleroderma.org may have some more information.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Morphea IS a type of scleroderma - what you are thinking of I think is CREST which is the bad kind of scleroderma. I too have just been diagnosed with this but have had it for years and autoimmune diseases run in my family so I was terrified of it becoming CREST. I have consulted 2 dermatologists and every possible source of info and they all say the same thing - Morphea patients most likely will never progress into CREST with the symptoms only being skin deep and sometimes with the occasional tinge to the underlying muscle - NOT the organs - thank God! Hope this helps.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi there Toddo and welcome. I expect stree would cause more flares as with anything in AI,s. They don't call it crest much anymore but is listed as limited. It is not likely to become any more than that. heres a brief blurb off internet to set your mind at ease.

Morphea: Skin changes that are localized to one or more patchy areas of skin that become hardened, dry, smooth and slightly pigmented. Morphea is called "localized scleroderma" but it rarely, if ever, evolves into full-fledged scleroderma, an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. Hugs and welcome Marilyn