In September of 2000, we noticed a discoloration of skin on our son's elbow and forearm. I thought it was from sunburn and was just peeling.

In October, I noticed that the discoloration was growing larger, and it was shiny and hairless. Around Halloween, we took Cole to our regular family doctor who immediately thought it was scleroderma and sent us to a dermatologist. She took one look and said she thought, for sure, it was morphea scleroderma. We went in for a skin biopsy and are still awaiting results.

The dermatologist said there is no cure or treatment, although she would like to see Cole in physical therapy so he will not lose movement in his arm.

I have read many of the stories posted on the www.sclero.org website and have felt encouraged by them. Cole really has not experienced any pain or limitations yet. I hope it does not appear anywhere else on him. Any advice would be helpful. This is all new for us.

~ Update - February 2001 ~

Cole was diagnosed with morphea/linear. We have been seeing a pediatric dermatologist. She has Cole on steroid cream. It has shown a little improvement already. The skin does not seem to be as tight. So we are just taking this a day at a time.