Morphea, a type of scleroderma, can affect the face in several ways, often causing visible changes to the skin's appearance.
Skin Changes:
- Thickening and hardening of the skin: This is the most common symptom of morphea, causing the skin to feel tight and leathery.
- Discoloration: The affected skin may become lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
- Depressions: In some cases, morphea can cause indentations or depressions in the skin.
- Facial asymmetry: The thickening and hardening of the skin can lead to uneven facial features, making one side of the face appear different from the other.
Other Symptoms:
- Pain and itching: The affected skin may be sensitive to touch and painful.
- Limited movement: The thickening and hardening of the skin can restrict facial movements, such as smiling or making expressions.
- Hair loss: Morphea can cause hair loss in the affected area.
Facial Morphea Types:
- Linear morphea: This form often appears as a band of thickened skin along a line, which can run across the face.
- Plaque morphea: This form appears as a round or oval patch of thickened skin, and can appear on the forehead, cheeks, or chin.
- Generalized morphea: This form affects large areas of the body, including the face, and can cause widespread skin thickening and discoloration.
Treatment:
Treatment for facial morphea aims to manage symptoms and improve the appearance of the affected skin. Treatments may include:
- Topical medications: Creams and ointments can help reduce inflammation and itching.
- Oral medications: Some medications can help suppress the immune system and reduce the severity of morphea.
- Light therapy: Ultraviolet light therapy can be used to help improve the appearance of the skin.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be used to remove thickened skin or correct facial asymmetry.
It's important to note that morphea can vary greatly in severity and appearance from person to person. If you suspect you may have morphea, it's important to see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
