A clinical case of morphea associated with Borrelia infection

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29296/25877305-2023-08-16
Issue: 
8
Year: 
2023

M. Abo Khadeejeh(1); I. Olenich(2); Z. Niewozinska(2); PhD; Professor I. Korsunskaya(3), MD
1-Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow
2-Moscow Research and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology
and Cosmetology, Moscow Healthcare Department
3-Center for Theoretical Problems of Physicochemical Pharmacology,
Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow

Scleroderma is an inflammatory disease that is evident as skin atrophy. The pathogenesis of scleroderma remains not completely understood. It is agreed that this disease arises from vascular changes, impaired fibroblast function, and immune dysfunction. The scientific literature also widely discusses an association between scleroderma and Borrelia infection. To date, there is no consensus regarding the mechanism of the influence of Lyme disease on the development of focal scleroderma. However, multiple cases of its occurrence after tick bites have been described. The authors want to draw the attention of specialists to this problem, by presenting their own case from practice. A thorough history collection and examination of patients with focal scleroderma are necessary in order to detect Borrelia infection and, conversely, there is a need for the close monitoring of patients with Lyme disease for the timely initiation of therapy for focal scleroderma.
Keywords: 
morphea
focal scleroderma
borreliosis
Lyme disease
methotrexate.

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