About Autoimmune Skin Diseases
Content
Many autoimmune skin diseases are related to disorders that affect other areas of the body. For example:
- Dermatitis herpetiformis is linked to celiac disease, and may cause blisters.
- Scleroderma and morphea cause the skin to become thick and rigid.
- Vasculitis causes inflammation of the blood vessels.
- Lupus can affect the skin, joints, and kidneys.
- Dermatomyositis can cause muscle inflammation and skin rashes.
- Sjögren's syndrome causes dry mouth, dry eyes, and sometimes dry skin.
Autoimmune Blistering Skin Diseases
These occur when the immune system attacks your healthy tissue. When this happens, skin cells cannot perform their normal functions and may turn into sores, blisters, or rashes. Diseases include bullous pemphigoid, which causes blistering on the body and sometimes in the mouth or eyes, and pemphigus, which causes blistering on the skin and in the mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, or genitals.
Treatments for Autoimmune Skin Diseases
Treatments Overview
While there are no cures for the different types of autoimmune and blistering skin diseases, many treatments are effective at relieving symptoms and slowing the progression of your condition.
Corticosteroids
Description
Topical (applied directly to the skin) and systemic (taken by mouth) corticosteroids suppress the immune system and slow progression of the disease. May be used for treating milder cases.
Immunosuppressive and Immunomodulatory Medications
Description
These prescription medications change the body’s immune response and control the inflammatory effects of the disease. They require regular physician monitoring.
Rituximab
Description
This biologic medication targets specific areas in the immune system to reduce inflammation. It requires regular physician monitoring.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Description
A purified blood product that contains healthy antibodies. This therapy prevents or reduces the severity of infections in patients with weakened immune systems and neutralizes damaging antibodies that target the patient’s own body. May require repeat infusions.
Tests for Autoimmune Skin Diseases
Physical Exam
Description
Your comprehensive evaluation includes a review of your medical history, a complete skin exam, and a close examination of your rashes, blisters, and other symptoms.
Lab Tests
Description
Your doctor may order blood work to check for autoimmune factors such as antibodies or blood proteins that may be signs of inflammation.
Skin Biopsy
Description
The doctor removes a small sample of skin from an affected area, if necessary, to examine it and make an accurate diagnosis.
