Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that can influence the development of morphea, as identified by medical experts. One significant factor is ethnicity, as studies show that individuals of Caucasian descent are more susceptible to the condition compared to other ethnicities. Moreover, gender also plays a role, with females being three times more likely to develop morphea than males. Although morphea can affect individuals of any age, it typically manifests between the ages of two and 14, as well as during the mid-40s. Additionally, having a family history of autoimmune diseases increases the likelihood of developing morphea.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing morphea involves a thorough physical examination of the skin and a discussion about the symptoms experienced by the patient. In certain instances, a skin biopsy might be required to identify any possible skin alterations. To eliminate the possibility of other conditions such as systemic sclerosis, doctors may conduct blood tests or refer the patient to a specialist. As part of the diagnostic procedure, physicians often categorize the type of morphea a patient has.