Advances in the management of pediatric morphea: a narrative review

Abstract

Pediatric morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune condition characterized by skin fibrosis and, in severe cases, deeper tissue involvement. This review highlights the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic challenges associated with pediatric morphea. The evolving landscape of therapeutic strategies underscores the importance of early intervention, multidisciplinary care, and long-term follow-up to address both physical and psychosocial impacts in children. Future directions, including personalized medicine and standardized outcome metrics, can potentially improve outcomes for pediatric morphea patients. Traditional and emerging treatment options, ranging from topical agents and methotrexate to novel monoclonal antibodies and JAK inhibitors, are discussed.