Morphea - DermAtlas - Dermatology Image Atlas

Contributor

George Wettach, MD

Diagnosis

morphea

Body Site

back

Age

32 years

Pigmentation

light

Organization

discrete

Color

white/hypo

Morphology

plaqulous (plaque / nodule / tumor)

Pattern

asymmetric solitary

Comments

This is a low power magnification of a 4 mm punch biopsy of a hypopigmented plaque on the back which was originally thought to be tinea corporis. The histologic changes are typical of morphea.

Description

There is both increased collagen deposition and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration within the dermis. The adnexal structures are atrophied as is the epidermis. Morphea is the most common form of scleroderma and frequently manifests on the trunk as in this case. Lesions are usually restricted to the skin. The exact relationship between morphea and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus has not been fully elucidated.

Image Added

11/2/2008 11:58:29

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Other Resources

PubMed Medline Plus Medscape

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