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Dot: Mother of Morphea/Linear Patient

I thought it was from sunburn and was just peeling.

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 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.

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This Story is Featured in Voices of Scleroderma Volume 1

The story on this page is featured in the top-notch Voices of Scleroderma Volume 1 which features articles by top scleroderma experts, including Dr. Joseph Korn, as well as 100 true patient and caregiver stories from this website! The book delivers excellent information and support for scleroderma patients and caregivers. It's a great way to inform family and friends about scleroderma, too!

ISN Story Editor: Judith Thompson Devlin

Judith Thompson Devlin is the ISN Story Editor for this story. She is also lead editor of the ISN's wonderful Voices of Scleroderma book series!

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