Morphoea and localised scleroderma

[weathervane]

Following up on my post 2 weeks ago . My son went to dermatology and the consultant explained that he thought my son had localised scleroderma and they were carrying out a biopsy to confirm it though they seem pretty certain. He had quite a deep biopsy as the tissue in his arm was quite firm , he needed 7 stitches. The consultant also explained the treatment depending on the results, they proposed a 3 day course of steroid infusions in the day unit and methotrexate taken once a week . He also has to take a 3 month course of antibiotics as he has some acne on his back which the steroids might make worse. I did not think he would be started on this type of treatment so quickly. Is his condition more advanced than we thought, initially he has told by the gp that he had pulled muscles. I do believe they should have done the biopsy a year ago when they were faffing about with scans and anti inflammatories. Does this treatment stop the progression as he was told he could be on it for a long time .

[Shadow15]

It is good they are starting him on the treatment. The methotrexate does not kick in for about three months, that is the point of starting the steroids first. It will hopefully slow down the disease and stop its progression, but he could be on this a while. My son has been on methotrexate for 3 years now. We have had no growths of existing leisions or new ones for nearly two years, so we are hopeful that he can come off this in a year is all remains the same. Good luck.

[weathervane]

Thanks shadow for your reply . The consultant did say my son could be on this for years , hopefully at a relatively low dose . That is brilliant news about your son , it’s good to know the treatment works . I know from experience that the drugs can have bad side effects, has your son been ok ?