Autoimmune Skin Disease & Disorders
Autoimmune diseases can cause the body to react in many different ways. An autoimmune disease causes a person's immune system to attack the body's own tissues and organs. Because the skin is the body's largest organ, it is commonly affected by certain autoimmune disorders.
At University Hospitals, our dermatology team is experienced in diagnosing and treating skin-related autoimmune disorders and diseases. We use a variety of both topical and oral prescription medications, along with other therapies, to help each patient achieve and maintain clear skin.
Conditions we treat include:
- Blistering diseases
- Bullous pemphigoid
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- Pemphigus
- Dermatomyostisis
- Impetigo
- Lupus
- Scleroderma
- Vasculitis
Common Autoimmune Skin Disorders and Treatments
- Bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus, and epidermolysis bullosa aquisita: These rare disorders cause large fluid-filled blisters to develop on the skin. Treatments may include corticosteroids, immuno-suppressing medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Dermatomyositis: This conditions can cause a distinct skin rash, discoloration and swelling. It can usually be treated with steroids and other medications.
- Scleroderma: This disorder can cause skin thickening, scarring and inflammation, and can be treated with prescription moisturizers or corticosteroid creams.
- Vasculitis: This condition causes inflammation of the blood vessels, and can affect many parts of the body, including the skin. Treatments include steroids and other medications.
Immuno-Dermatology Clinic
Our Specialty Immuno-Dermatology Clinic treats autoimmune skin diseases such as bullous dermatosis, atopic dermatitis, vasculitis and lupus using evidence-based immunotherapies.
Features of our program include immunofluorescence lab facilities, immune-mapping of congenital blistering disorders, and subspecialty expertise in complex disorders of the skin.