My name is Briana. I am 22 years old and was diagnosed with linear morphea when I was 19.

The first time I noticed a spot of morphea was at age 11, when a bruise on the right side of my ribcage didn't heal and remained indented and discolored. I never went for treatment, as it did not spread or cause regular discomfort. I did not know that it was anything to be concerned about; I thought my body had just healed itself in a very bizarre way.

At nineteen, I developed a patch on the right side of my stomach about the size of a half dollar. After several months of cocoa butter and vitamin E oil and further spread of the morphea patch, I feared skin cancer and decided it was time to see a doctor, despite my lack of health insurance. A regular doctor did a biopsy, the results of which were inconclusive. I was referred to a dermatologist near the university I was attending and was told that I had morphea-- and not much else. I was then given an injection of steroids into the affected area, and was sent on my merry way.

After getting one injection per month for roughly 3 months, the condition had spread up into my rib cage, to my upper right arm, and down my right thigh. I switched dermatologists, became more informed about the disease, and am now hoping for the beston all fronts. I still receive steroid injections into the most inflamed areas every few months, and have tried several topical creams and oral steroids, none of which have had any significant effect in stopping the steady spread of the patches. I am looking into PUVA light therapy as an option; though it has not been reccommended to me directly yet, it looks very promising, and I am hoping that there will be a feasible opportunity for me to try the treatment.

This condition has taken a huge toll on my self-esteem and body image. I am very conscious of how I look. I wear long skirts and pants in public, and prefer not to wear any sleeveless shirts. I have gotten several negative reactions about my condition from past boyfriends, and was afraid of similar rejection for a long time. I have come to terms with that emotional side of the situation, but I am still terrified of the morphea spreading to places on my body that I can't hide with clothing.

I am also afraid of the effect this disease will have on my ability to carry a child to full term. I have read many personal accounts where women who are affected by morphea on their abdomens are unable to have children, or, if they do bear a child, the experience significantly worsens their condition.

Today I try to look on my condition as something to strengthen me. I am open in talking about it, and I am no longer ashamed that I have it. And i'm finding out more and more that I am anything but alone.

If anyone has any recommendations, information, personal stories, anything at all concerning linear morphea, please email me at samiel8@hotmail.com