pathology

Last reviewed 05/2021

Loss of all skin appendages - hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands - is characteristic. The dermal collagen bundles are enlarged and run parallel to the skin surface, and the papillary and reticular dermal layers become less distinguishable. The overlying epidermis is thin and atrophic.

Although the aetiology of morphoea remains unknown most dermatologists suggest that it is an autoimmune disorder of the skin (autoimmune hypothesis) (1).

An association with the spirochaete Borrelia bergdorferi which causes Lyme disease is speculated.

Reference:

• 1. Takehar K, Sato S. Localized scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder. Rheumatology 2005;44(3):274-279