Am seeking information on a skin condition called MORPHEA. Is it cancerous? Does it have another name(circumscribic something or other)? Does it spread? Is research being done on it? Where? Would appreciate any response at all. Thank You.
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Answer: Morphea is also called localized scleroderma. It is probably an autoimmune disease (like systemic scleroderma), meaning that the immune system of the person attacks the person and causes changes that are variable (hence the many different diseases that are all autoimmune diseases). It is not associated with cancer, but has sometimes been associated with Borrelia infection (the organism that causes Lyme disease). I have not had personal success treating people with morphea with antibiotics, but I have seen the reports. There is a Dr. Metzger at the University of Pittsburgh who is one of the country's experts on this unusual condition. Most dermatologists can help you to try a course of potent topical steriods of injections to try to spop the progression (if that is happening) or to try to improve the appearance. Hope this helps.
Eliot.
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Dermatology Online: Served by Eliot N. Mostow, MD, MPH
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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