Morphea can occur either as a single plaque or as a small group of them. A typical morphea plaque is circular, though they may also occur as bands or spots. The edges of the plaque may be red or violet. The area may be tender or itchy, or be sensitive to sunlight, and will later become smooth, hard, ivory colored and depressed. A plaque can be a few centimeters in diameter or as large as the palm of the hand.
Boys usually have plaques on the hands, arms or trunk.
The plaques are usually deeper in girls and appear primarily on the legs and feet. When pinched, the skin in these areas feels hard and tight. The hair follicles may become prominent, giving the skin the texture of pigskin. Widespread involvement of the skin with multiple plaques is called generalized morphea. Muscle atrophy may be present, but there is no systemic disease.