L94: Other localized connective tissue disorders

L94.0: Localized scleroderma [morphea]

This skin condition causes one or more hard, roundish patches to form on the skin. The patches are whitish or yellow and can become as big as the palms of one’s hand. There may be a reddish ring around the hard areas. The hard areas can heal by themselves. The skin can then be permanently darker or thinner than what surrounds it.

The hard areas with this condition mainly develop on the upper body. However, they can be found all over the body.

The exact cause of this skin disorder is not yet known. However, what is known is that this skin condition changes the skin’s connective tissue. The skin’s connective tissue is firmer in the affected areas than it is normally and shrinks. Connective tissue is made up of fine fibers. It supports and strengthens the skin, for example.