Living with Linear scleroderma
A form of localized scleroderma, mostly in childhood, that affects the skin and tissues underneath on one side of the body.
Understanding Linear scleroderma
It affects the skin and the tissues underneath, often in a line on one side of the body. When the face or scalp is affected, the muscles, fat, and skull may also be affected. Strips on the forehead may be hollow, called en coup de sabre. Raynaud's phenomenon is usually absent.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a symptom list for this condition. Its summary describes these features:
- Skin changes on one side of the body
- Changes in tissues under the skin
- Hollow strip on the forehead (en coup de sabre)
- Changes in the muscles, fat, and skull near the face
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Scleroderma Research Foundation and National Scleroderma Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Scleroderma Research Foundation, National Scleroderma Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Scleroderma Research Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The exact cause is unknown.
Also known as: linear morphea
Patient organizations
- Scleroderma Research FoundationLinear scleroderma · United States
- National Scleroderma FoundationLinear scleroderma · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Linear scleroderma.
Explore research for Linear scleroderma
Explore actively recruiting Linear scleroderma studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Linear scleroderma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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