Methods Of Treating Morphea

Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants and other oral medications are normally reserved for cases of morphea that have not responded to other treatments. The most common immunosuppressants used for this condition are corticosteroids and methotrexate. Some patients will need to take both of these medicines, and hydroxychloroquine is also frequently recommended. These drugs reduce the body's ability to fight infections and can cause potentially serious side effects. To reduce this risk, doctors prescribe these medicines in the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible amount of time. In the short term, oral corticosteroids may cause weight gain, insomnia, fluid retention, increased appetite, and mood swings. If corticosteroids are used for longer than three months, the skin might thin, and patients could experience easy bruising and hypertension. Potential side effects of methotrexate include nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, blurry vision, headaches, and bleeding gums. Patients taking hydroxychloroquine may notice weight loss, rashes, nervousness, irritability, ringing in the ears, and hair loss. If these side effects become troublesome, patients may be able to be switched to another medicine with fewer side effects.

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