Title:Localized Scleroderma: A Clinical Review
Volume: 13
Issue: 2
Author(s): Mark Tratenberg, Farrah Gutwein, Varuni Rao, Kirk Sperber, Amy Wasserrman and Julia Ash*
Affiliation:
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY,United States
Keywords:
Scleroderma, morphea, en-coup de sabre, linear, guttate, keloid, non-pharmacologic therapies.
Abstract: Localized scleroderma (LS) is characterized by excessive collagen deposition leading to
thickening of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue or both. The outcome for most patients with localized
scleroderma is directly related to the type and stage of the affected tissue. The major challenge for
untreated patients is not increased mortality risk, rather deformity and growth defects from skin, muscle
and bone abnormalities. Treatment is individualized to type and stage of the lesion and may include
pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies. Among the pharmacologic modalities,
methotrexate with systemic glucocorticoids is currently the mainstay of treatment. More controlled
trials are needed to determine the length of treatment and the maintenance dose of this combination
therapy.
