Etiologic role of Borrelia�burgdorferi in morphea: A case report

Abstract

Morphea is an inflammatory skin disease with self-limited evolution, presenting as localized sclerosis of the skin and/or underlying tissues. The incidence is not exactly known; the disease occurs more frequently in women, and there is no sex prevalence. Pathogenesis of morphea remains still controversial. Several theories exist and the Borrelia burgdorferi infection is not yet elucidated. The aim of this report is to present the main mechanisms involved in the etiophatogenesis of morphea and also the thepapeutic options. A case of a 60-year-old woman is presented, who was referred to the clinic for an erythematous-violaceus, asymptomatic eruption, located on the trunk and legs, for appoximately 2 months. The patient's medical history revealed an infection with Borrelia 1 year previously. After diagnosis of morphea was established, and with systemic therapy (corticosteroids and methotrexate), the evolution was favorable.