Effectiveness of LPG treatment in morphea.
BACKGROUND
The LPG technique, also known as Endermology treatment, is a noninvasive technique consisting of a tissue mobilization process in which a skin fold is created between two rollers, stretching the underlying tissue and mobilizing the fold. The LPG technique is very effective in treating scars. Because the lesions of morphea or circumscribed scleroderma are similar to atrophic scars, it seemed reasonable to treat them with a method proven helpful for scars.


METHODS
We treated 17 lesions of 10 patients (four males and six females) with the diagnosis of morphea ranging in age from 17 to 78 years (mean age 55 years) and investigated and documented the evolution of their lesions and changes in their quality of life.


RESULTS
In all patients there was a large improvement in the clinical appearance of the lesions, the induration and the pain. Elasticity was particularly increased, not only based on clinical findings but also as documented with objective assessment. The acceptability of the treatment was good and the patients reported an improved quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
The LPG technique (Endermology) is an adjunctive treatment for morphea. It cannot eliminate the disease but can relieve the pain, soften the skin and improve the quality of life for these patients.
Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University Munich, Biedersteinerstr. 29, D-80802 Munich, Germany. wolf-ingo.worret@lrz.tu-muenchen.de
W-I
WI
Worret
B
B
Jessberger
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011788:Quality of Life; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome