Lifestyle Changes For Morphea
Morphea does not have any specific treatment to cure the disease. What is done is symptomatic management with lifestyle changes, medication and surgery. Let us see what the lifestyle changes you could do to make the morphea better.
Dietary Changes For Morphea
There are no specific dietary changes for morphea, but there are recommended dietary changes for scleroderma and this can be applied to morphea as well, however it does not necessarily be applicable to morphea. The dietary changes in morphea are more focused on reducing the skin lesions. Dietary changes can be easily made and these can increase the quality of life. Consume food that have more anti-inflammatory properties and have a well-balanced diet. Proteins, vitamins and minerals are important to boost up the immune system
You should consume more of the following food in your diet.
Vitamin D – this has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the production of collagen. So, have more fatty fish, egg yolk and cheese in your diet.
Fish Oil – fish oil reduces the inflammation and swelling in the body. Have at least about 250-500 mg of fish oil per day; eat more tuna, mackerel and salmon in order to get the required amount of fish oil.
Avoid The Following
Alcohol – the exact relationship between morphea and alcohol consumption is not established, although alcohol can worsen the skin lesions. Also, consuming a lot of alcohol is not healthy anyway therefore, its best you avoid it.
Nicotine – nicotine makes scleroderma worst and many studies have not been done to find out if nicotine makes morphea worst. However, it’s advised to stop smoking when you develop morphea.
Caffeine– it is said that you should avoid caffeine too if you have morphea, the exact scientific explanation for this is not known.
Exercises For Morphea
Regular exercise is a good lifestyle change for morphea. Regular exercises are needed to be healthy in any individual. You should also follow the same. You should at least exercise 30-40 minutes per day for at least 3-4 days per week. If you have severe morphea with joint involvement you need special exercises (thought during physiotherapy session) that you should accordingly to stretch the muscles and loosen up the joints. There is no point in doing exercises after the establishment of joint contractures.
Skin Care For Morphea
- Avoid excess exposure to sun, however early morning sun baths and exposure to sun helps to produce vitamin D in the body. Apply a sunscreen before you go out.
- Avoid hot showers and baths. Have regular baths and keep your skin clean.
- If you are living in a dry climate with low humidity, its good if you can use a humidifier to maintain your skin moisture.
Tightening of the facial skin is experienced by some morphea patients. This could lead to inadequate oral care and tooth decay. Therefore, brush and floss your teeth regularly, go for regular dental check-ups, keep your mouth wet by sipping water regularly, and avoid using mouthwash as these contain alcohol which can irritate the mucous membranes.
Home Remedies For Skin Lesions In Morphea
The following home remedies can be applied to the affected skin lesions. Most of them have anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic and analgesic effects-
- Peppermint Oil – mix 6 drops of peppermint oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil and then apply the mixture on the affected areas, leave it for 30 minutes or overnight and wash it off.
- Lavender Oil – mix 6 drops of lavender oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil and then apply the mixture on the affected areas, leave it for 30 minutes or overnight and wash it off.
- Turmeric Powder – mix turmeric powder with water to make a paste then apply the mixture on the affected areas, leave it for few minutes and wash it off.
- Garlic – cut one or two garlic cloves and rub them on the affected area, leave for 20-30 minutes and wash it off.
- Onions – rub half of the onion on the affected area, leave it for 20-30 minutes and wash it off.
Conclusion
Morphea does not have any specific treatment to cure the disease. what’s done is symptomatic management with lifestyle changes, medication and surgery. The lifestyle changes are having food containing vitamin D, fish oil, oregano, ginger and basil; avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine; do regular exercises, and necessary care for the skin.
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