Morphea is a thickened and discolored condition of the skin. In this condition, the skin becomes hard, thickened and firm. The skin is so hard that it may affect the function of the muscles and other structures underneath it. However, its effects are limited to skin only. It usually appears on the chest, back, abdomen, sometimes on face, neck or limbs. It is a self-limiting condition and it goes on its own in a few years. Few natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can help in the management of the condition.
Natural Remedies For Morphea
Natural remedies for morphea are following-
Vitamin D– vitamin D is very beneficial to treat thick and hardened skin. In recent studies, it is found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with autoimmune disorders. It is also found that morphea; localized scleroderma is associated with low levels of vitamin D. It is found in rich quantities in eggs, sardines, sunlight, etc.
Vitamin E– vitamin E has healing properties for the skin. It also relieves pain in thickened areas of the skin. It is found in fish oil, liver, eggs, etc.
Turmeric – Turmeric is rich in anti-inflammatory pigment named curcumin. It has the properties to reduce the inflammation of the body. It can relieve the pain and reduces the excess production of fibrous connective tissues. It is recommended that 300 mg of turmeric every day can improve the condition.
Acupuncture– Acupuncture is a natural way to improve fibrosed skin. It is stated in recent studies that acupuncture enhances good blood supply to the skin of the finger and hands that reduces the formation of fibrous tissues.
Other Natural Remedies– there are some changes in the lifestyle that can help to get rid of thick hardened skin, these are –
Switch to regular exercises that can improve the health of the skin. It also increases the strength of muscles and bones by improving its flexibility. Exercising 30 minutes or 3 to 5 days in a week can improve hardened thick skin.
Keep the skin soft and hydrated by application of creams, lotions, and avoidance of hot bath.
Avoid smoking as nicotine can worsen the condition of the skin.
Avoid stimulants like coffee or alcohol
Processed foods like bread, pasta or sugar should be avoided.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements like fish oil can help to decrease the thickening and fibrosis of the skin.
Introduce more food rich in antioxidants like apples, asparagus, blueberries, broccoli
Switch to yoga or meditation to release stress as stress can worsen the condition of affected skin.
Morphea is a rare disease of the skin that is represented by hard, firm and thick lesions. These lesions are usually reddish oval shaped with a light center with borders. It is a type of localized scleroderma. It affects the skin of the chest, abdomen or back and sometimes involves face, neck and the limbs. It is usually a painless condition that disappears by itself in three to five years. It is a benign and self-limiting form of the skin lesion. This lesion is usually single, superficial and circumscribed. However, it can reappear again. Even after, it has gone, it leaves dark skin or change in skin color for years.
Morphea affects women more than men. It usually starts in early childhood. The average age in which most of the cases of morphea is diagnosed is 20-50 years. Linear morphea is its most common type that affects the children the most. It may cause cosmetic deformities and other disabilities. It does not affect the life expectancy of a person.
Conclusion
Morphea is a skin condition marked by discoloration and thickening of the skin. It is a type of localized scleroderma. The natural remedies that can help in smooth eradication of morphea are consumption of vitamin D, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acid and other measures discussed above.
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