What are the treatment options for morphea?

Early active morphea may look pink, lilac or inflamed at the edge, while older areas can become firm, shiny, lighter or darker than surrounding skin. Disease near a joint may tighten the skin and limit movement; lesions on the face or scalp require particular attention. The visible colour can persist after inflammation settles, so treatment decisions are based on examination and change over time rather than colour alone.

Attend follow-up appointments so the clinician can check whether plaques are enlarging, becoming softer or affecting movement. Use prescribed topical treatment exactly as directed and protect treated skin from avoidable irritation. If phototherapy is recommended, attend the scheduled sessions and tell the team about medicines that increase light sensitivity. Gentle stretching or physiotherapy may be discussed when a plaque crosses a joint. Photographing the area in consistent lighting can help track change, but it does not replace an examination.

Contact a dermatologist promptly if a plaque is expanding, becomes increasingly painful, develops marked inflammation or begins limiting a joint. Seek earlier assessment for morphea involving the face, scalp, hands, feet or an area close to an eye. New weakness, altered sensation, severe headache or visual symptoms need urgent medical attention because they may indicate involvement beyond the skin. Report significant burning or blistering during phototherapy.

Ask whether your morphea appears active, how deep it is and what signs would show that treatment is working. Discuss whether a topical calcineurin inhibitor or narrowband UVB phototherapy fits the affected area, how movement will be monitored and when specialist review is needed.