What should you know about morphea type?

Plaque morphea forms one or more firm, oval areas, often on the trunk or limbs. Generalised morphea involves several larger areas. Linear morphea follows a band, commonly along an arm, leg, or the forehead, and may extend deeper into tissue beneath the skin. Deep morphea can involve fascia or muscle and may feel fixed rather than simply dry. These labels describe a pattern, not a prediction about your individual course.

A dermatologist checks colour, firmness, borders, depth, and whether a lesion crosses a joint. They may compare photographs or measurements over time. Tell the clinician about stiffness, weakness, headaches, or changes around the eye when a linear patch affects the face or limb. Treatment can include prescribed topical medicine for selected superficial areas, including [Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-calcineurin-inhibitors/), while selected cases may use [Narrowband UVB Phototherapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/narrowband-uvb-phototherapy/). Do not choose a treatment from the visible colour alone.

Book a review for a new or changing patch, especially if it has a lilac edge, increasing firmness, or a band-like shape. Seek prompt care when tightening affects a joint, facial movement, vision, or function of an arm or leg. Pain, ulcers, rapid extension, or new neurological symptoms also warrant earlier contact. The reason for urgency is possible depth or activity, not the mere presence of a skin mark.

Ask which pattern fits your examination, whether the process is superficial or deep, and how activity will be monitored. Ask what symptoms suggest joint involvement and whether a treatment should cover skin only or deeper tissue.