Skin Conditions Caused by Autoimmune

Skin Conditions Caused by Autoimmune

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Autoimmune disorders are caused when the immune system attacks the body's normal tissues. When the immune system is not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of health issues. These disorders affect specific parts of the body. Some can cause skin irritations like rashes, red patches, hair loss, skin discoloration, itching, or pain.

 

Autoimmune skin conditions

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition in which the immune system overreacts and causes skin cells to grow more quickly. This condition causes skin cells to accumulate and form red plaques covered in silvery-white scales.

Psoriasis symptoms range from mild to severe, and skin plaques can appear anywhere on the body, but the elbows, knees, and torso are the most commonly affected. Psoriasis can cause physical and emotional discomfort for sufferers due to its chronic nature and flaring.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system produces an excessive amount of collagen, a protein required for healthy skin and body tissues. Scleroderma thickens and hardens tissues such as the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs.

Scleroderma symptoms include skin thickening and hardening, skin discoloration, blood vessel damage, disruption of internal organs such as the lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract, muscle weakness, and joint pain.

Cutaneous Lupus

Cutaneous lupus is an autoimmune disease that manifests as a red, scaly rash on the skin. Sun exposure can cause or worsen some lupus rashes, so managing sun exposure is critical for people with cutaneous lupus.

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease identified by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash. It can affect both adults and children, but is more common in people in their late 40s or early 60s.

Pemphigus

Pemphigus is a disease that causes blistering of the skin. It can affect the insides of the mouth, nose, throat, eyes, and genitals. This autoimmune condition creates painful blisters and sores that frequently burst, leaving open wounds. Without proper treatment, the sores are susceptible to infection.

Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare autoimmune condition that affects both the skin and the mucous membranes in the body. It is caused by the body's inability to produce proteins that strengthen the structure and connect the layers of the skin. This condition weakens the skin and makes it susceptible to blisters caused by friction.

 

Autoimmune disorders are incurable diseases. The treatment's goal is to control the body's overactive immune response and reduce inflammation. Appropriate treatment can help control symptoms while preventing long-term damage to affected organs or tissues. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing autoimmune symptoms in your skin or other organs.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

 

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!

 

 

Writer : Agatha Writer
Editor :
  • Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Last Updated : Wednesday, 8 May 2024 | 08:43

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Medline Plus (2024). Autoimmune Diseases. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/autoimmunediseases.html 

Mayo Clinic (2024). Psoriasis. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840 

Cleveland Clinic (2023). Scleroderma. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/scleroderma 

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Mayo Clinic (2024). Dermatomyositis. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dermatomyositis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353188 

National Institute of Arthritis and Muscoloskeletal and Skin Disease (2021). Pemphigus. Available from: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/pemphigus 

Mayo Clinic (2022). Epidermolysis bullosa. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epidermolysis-bullosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20361062