Keloidal Morphea: A Systematic Review of The Literature
Mor Frisch1, Noa Zur Aviran1, Elena Didkovsky2,3, Daniel Mimouni1,2,
Yael A Leshem1,2, Omri Zidan1 and Lihi Atzmony4*
1 Division of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
2Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
3Department of Pathology and Cytology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
4Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
*Corresponding Author: Lihi Atzmony, Department of Dermatology, Yale School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Received:
April 14, 2025; Published: April 25, 2025
Abstract
Background: Keloidal Morphea represents a rare and challenging variant within the spectrum of morphea and systemic sclerosis,
characterized by keloid-like or hypertrophic scar like-nodules
Objective: We sought to assess the current evidence regarding keloidal morphea.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature available on PubMed, supplemented with four additional cases from
Rabin Medical Center
Results: Our initial search yielded 812 results of whom, 52 reports met the inclusion criteria leading to a total of 69 cases. Keloidal
morphea predominantly affects females (87%) and is most prevalent among individuals aged 30-50, with a notable prevalence in
African Americans, highlighting a potential genetic predisposition to keloid formation in darker skin types. Keloidal morphea can oc
cur alone or alongside systemic sclerosis, observed in 58% of the cases. The trunk and upper limbs are the most frequently involved
areas. Both isolated and systemic sclerosis-associated keloidal morphea exhibit similar clinical and histological features, which sug
gests shared pathophysiological aspects. The complexity of these manifestations makes management challenging, with treatments
ranging from steroids to phototherapy, yet often resulting in only modest improvements.
Limitations: Low quality of evidence, variability in the extent of data, lack of studies.
Conclusion: The presence of keloidal morphea in both isolated and systemic sclerosis contexts underscores the need for further
research into its pathophysiology and treatment. This review aims to enhance understanding and guide future research efforts to
improve the outcomes for keloidal morphea patients, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this condition in patients with sys
temic sclerosis and in populations with a predisposition to keloid development.
Keywords: Morphea; Keloid; Systemic Sclerosis; Scleroderma
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