diagnosis and treatment

Last reviewed 05/2021

Diagnosis and treatment

Abnormalities commonly seen in laboratory investigations include:

• FBC - eosinophelia may be seen
• serologic examination for
  • antinuclear antibodies
  • anti-single-stranded DNA antibodies
  • antihistone antibodies
• radiography - helpful in deeper tissue involvement
• skin biopsy ("square biopsy") - lymphocytes can be seen in the deep dermis and among the collagen bundles

There is no specific treatment

• seek specialist advice
• management of morphoea involves
  • reassuring the patient that the condition is benign and most of the time cease spontaneously
  • general measures - regular massage or physiotherapy, protection from trauma and cold, avoid smoking
  • topical agents - corticosteroids, calcipotriene, and imiquimod
  • hototherapy - UVA or PUVA
  • oral systemic therapy - steroids, antimalarials
  • Intralesional corticosteroid injections into an active lesion may alter the shape but not its development

Reference:

• 1. Barankin B, Kossintseva I. Answer: Can you identify this condition? Can Fam Physician 2007; 53(10):1675 - 1676