Treatment

Morphea usually lasts several years and then goes away without treatment. It may leave scars or areas of darkened or discolored skin. Until your condition clears up, you may want to pursue treatment that helps control your signs and symptoms.

Treatment options vary depending on the extent of your condition and how it's affecting your life. They include:

• Medicated creams. Your doctor may prescribe a vitamin D cream, such as calcipotriene, to help soften the skin patches. Skin generally begins to improve during the first months of treatment. Possible side effects include burning, stinging and a rash.

  Or your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream to reduce inflammation. When used for a long time, these creams may thin the skin.

• Light therapy. For severe or widespread morphea, treatment may include the use of ultraviolet light (phototherapy).
• Oral medications. For severe or widespread morphea, your doctor may prescribe an immunosuppressive medication, such as oral methotrexate (Trexall), corticosteroid pills or both. Or your doctor may suggest hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) or mycophenolate mofetil. Each of these drugs has potential side effects. Talk with your doctor about a drug's risks and benefits before using it.
• Physical therapy. If the condition affects your joints, physical therapy might preserve your range of motion.