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Chloe: Morphea

At seven years old I began to complain about an itch on my upper left thigh. After seeing my family doctor I was instructed to travel to the 'big city' to see a specialist where I was then diagnosed with localized morphea scleroderma. The initial treatments were successful but by thinning out the affected areas the treatment also thinned out the surrounding areas of normal skin, making my scars very apparent.

I dreaded the mandatory swim class at my elementary school due to the same question that was asked by curious children over and over again, "Do your parents beat you? How come you have such bad bruises?"

Once I became a teenager the prying eyes meant even more embarrassment for me. I own one pair of shorts that fully cover most of my scarring and no short skirts. I hate my scars. It seems odd to have one nice normal leg and the other to be so imperfect.

I have been in remission since my treatment began eleven years ago. I am now nineteen and have noticed large spots of discoloration all along the lower front part of my affected leg. I have an appointment today. The first in almost five years. I am scared but I am glad to have found a place where my fears and feelings are understood. Thank you!

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ISN Artist: Sherrill Knaggs (In Loving Memory)

Sherrill Knaggs, ISN Artist, created the digital photo to illustrate the story on this page. Sherrill lived in New Zealand. Her story was featured in ISN's book, Voices of Scleroderma Volume 2.

ISN Story Editor: Judith Thompson Devlin

Judith Thompson Devlin is the ISN Story Editor for this story. She is also lead editor of the ISN's wonderful Voices of Scleroderma book series!

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