Living with Localized scleroderma
A condition in which skin becomes thick and hard from extra collagen, limited to the skin and nearby tissues.
Understanding Localized scleroderma
It is limited to the skin and related tissues, sometimes the muscle below. Internal organs are not affected, and it never progresses to the systemic form. It often improves or goes away on its own over time, but skin changes can be permanent. For some people it is serious and disabling. The two types are morphea and linear.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Thickened skin
- Stiff skin
- Hardened patches of skin (sclerotic plaques)
- Localized skin lesions
- Joint pain
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
Specialists who may be involved include skin, hair, and nail specialists.
- 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
- Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- 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
GARD says it comes from making too much collagen, a protein that supports the skin. It doesn't describe a specific cause.
Also known as: addison's keloid; circumscribed scleroderma; localised fibrosing scleroderma; localised morphea; localised morphoea; localised scleroderma (disorder) [ambiguous]
Patient organizations
- Scleroderma Research FoundationLocalized scleroderma · United States
- National Scleroderma FoundationLocalized scleroderma · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Localized scleroderma.
Explore research for Localized scleroderma
Explore actively recruiting Localized scleroderma studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Localized 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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