Autoimmune disorders are a group of diseases in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells and tissues. There are many types of autoimmune disorders, each targeting a different part of the body.

One such group of autoimmune disorders are sclerotic diseases, which cause hardening and thickening of the skin and other tissues. Two common types of sclerotic diseases are Scleroderma and Morphea disease.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs.

The disease causes the body to produce too much collagen, which results in thickening, hardening, and tightening of the skin and other tissues. This can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe.

Symptoms of Scleroderma

The symptoms of scleroderma can vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. Some common symptoms include:.

Thickening and hardening of the skin, usually on the hands and face
Raynaud’s phenomenon, in which the fingers and toes become numb and cold in response to stress or cold temperatures
Joint pain and stiffness
Muscle weakness and fatigue
Shortness of breath
Difficulty swallowing
High blood pressure in the lungs

Types of Scleroderma

There are two main types of scleroderma: localized and systemic.

Localized scleroderma

Localized scleroderma, also known as morphea, is a milder form of the disease that only affects the skin. It causes patches of thickened, hard skin that can be red or purple. In some cases, the patches may be itchy or painful.

Systemic scleroderma

Systemic scleroderma is a more severe form of the disease that can affect the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. There are two main types of systemic scleroderma:.

Limited scleroderma – This type of scleroderma affects the skin on the hands, arms, and face. It can also affect the esophagus and lungs.
Diffuse scleroderma – This type of scleroderma affects the skin on the arms, legs, and trunk. It can also affect the internal organs, such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys.

Treatment of Scleroderma

There is no cure for scleroderma, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Some common treatments include:.

Muscle relaxants to reduce muscle stiffness and pain
Blood pressure medication to treat high blood pressure in the lungs
Immunosuppressant medication to slow the progression of the disease
Physical therapy to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness
Topical creams and ointments to help soften and moisturize the skin

Morphea Disease

Morphea disease, also known as localized scleroderma, is a type of sclerotic disease that affects only the skin. The disease causes patches of thickened, hard skin that can be red or purple. In some cases, the patches may be itchy or painful.

Morphea disease is a rare condition that affects only about 2-3 people in every 10,000.

Symptoms of Morphea Disease

The symptoms of morphea disease can vary depending on the type of the disease. Some common symptoms include:.

Patches of thickened, hard skin
Patches of skin that are red or purple
Itchy or painful skin

Types of Morphea Disease

There are several types of morphea disease, including:.

Plaque-type morphea – This is the most common type of morphea. It causes oval or circular patches of thickened, hard skin.
Generalized morphea – This type of morphea causes thickened, hard skin on the arms, legs, and trunk.
Linear morphea – This type of morphea causes a line or band of thickened, hard skin that follows a nerve or blood vessel.
Deep morphea – This type of morphea affects the tissue beneath the skin, causing hardening and thickening of the muscles and bones.

Treatment of Morphea Disease

There is no cure for morphea disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Some common treatments include:.

Topical creams and ointments to help soften and moisturize the skin
Phototherapy, in which the affected area is exposed to UV light
Oral medications to reduce inflammation
Physical therapy to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness

Conclusion

Scleroderma and Morphea disease are two types of autoimmune disorders that cause hardening and thickening of the skin and other tissues.

Although there is no cure for these diseases, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. If you experience any symptoms of scleroderma or morphea disease, it’s important to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.