Linear Morphea - Ayurvedic Approach to Linear Morphea

What is the Linear Morphea?

Linear morphea is a type of morphea which is usually found on the legs or arms and appears as a single band of thick and there is discoloration of the skin. These may extend up to the tissues under the skin as well as muscles which lead to deformities.

• As per Ayurveda Aspect

  Linear morphea is not properly mentioned in Ayurveda. But as this disease is caused due to the weak immunity so in Ayurveda it can be correlated to vyadhi kshamatav (in which the body is unable to prevent the infections.) This is made up to two words vyadhi and kshamatav in which vyadhi means that the body is suffering from any physical or mental disease which means the basic elements of the body are vitiated. Kshmatav refers to the protection of the body from various infections.

• As per Modern Aspect

  Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system that protects the body from bacteria, fungi, and virus mistakenly attacks an individual's body. These lesions have 5 main presenting features :-

  • Linear (lines involved on the hands or limbs)
  • Generalized (circles on the limbs and trunk)
  • Circumscribed (Few circles present on the limbs or trunk)
  • Mixed (Combination of all the features)
  • Pansclerotic (In this there is skin involvement)

  These are usually limited to the skin but sometimes may extend to deeper muscles or bones. It may also involve inside of the mouth, eyes, and genitals.

• Ancient Verse

  In this shloka, symptoms of weak immunity are explained.

  • Dislocating body parts and imbalanced Vata dosha.
  • Alteration in the physical as well as mental conditions.
  • Inflammation due to the vitiation of Vata dosha.
  • Inability to move body parts properly.
  • Skin discoloration
  • Dizziness
  • Mental fatigue
  • Sleeping disorders

  Reference - Sushruta Samhita (sutra sthana)- chapter 15 and shloka-29)

What are the Causes of Linear Morphea?

In this condition, there is an unusual autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the body and the skin that causes infection. The exact cause is usually unknown. When it occurs, the cells that produce collagen causes its overproduction which leads to its buildup.
It can be due to -

• Repetitive trauma on the skin
• Some treatment therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy
• Infection
• Environmental exposure
• This is non-contagious condition and it does not spread from one person to another.

What are the Main Symptoms of Linear Morphea?

Usually, the symptoms may vary, depend upon the stage and type of the condition, which include,

• Purple or red colored patches over the skin i.e., on the arms or legs.
• Patches may develop with lighter or white colored center.
• Skin becomes hard, dry, shiny and thickened.
• Hair loss in the affected area.
• Loss of sweat glands.

What are the Risk Factors for Linear Morphea?

There are certain factors that increase the risk of linear morphea.

• This condition is more likely to develop in females than males.
• It usually occurs at any age but most commonly occurs in the age group of 2 to 14 or after the age of 40.