Autoimmune Skin Conditions Specialist

What are autoimmune skin conditions?

Autoimmune skin conditions are a form of autoimmune disease in which your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Autoimmune diseases can occur in your joints, organs, muscles, and even the skin. 

There are numerous different types of autoimmune skin conditions, each with a distinct set of symptoms and treatment paths. Some examples include:

• Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
• Lupus of the skin
• Systemic scleroderma
• Dermatomyositis
• Behcet’s disease
• Pemphigus
• Epidermolysis bullosa

A thorough diagnostic workup with Dr. Poulos at Global Dermatology can determine if an autoimmune skin condition causes your symptoms. 

What are some symptoms of autoimmune skin conditions?

Any time you notice changes in the appearance or condition of your skin, you should schedule a diagnostic exam. Many conditions respond best to early interventions. 

Some of the signs of autoimmune skin conditions include:

• Small patches of thick, scaly, and red skin
• Scarring
• Thick, pitted, or ridged fingernails or toenails
• Stiff or swollen joints
• Chronic fatigue
• Swollen or inflamed skin

The diagnostic process for autoimmune skin conditions begins with an assessment of the skin. Blood testing is also helpful and can reveal whether your body is producing antibodies linked to these conditions. A skin biopsy can help by examining a small sample of skin under a microscope. 

Treatment of these conditions focuses on managing your symptoms by reducing inflammation and altering the way your immune system functions. 

What is Hidradenitis suppurativa? 

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that causes small, painful lumps to develop beneath your skin. The condition usually arises in areas where your skin rubs together, like your groin, armpits, buttocks, or beneath the breasts.  

Symptoms include blackheads, tender lumps, large bumps, or sores in the skin. Researchers believe the condition arises from blocked hair follicles. There also seems to be a genetic component at play, and women experience the condition more frequently than men. 

Treatment includes topical antibiotics, hormonal therapy, steroid injections, and biologic drugs that alter your immune response. 

If you’d like more information on any of these autoimmune skin conditions, schedule a time to visit Global Dermatology. Online booking is available, or you can always call to check appointment availability.