What is it?
Autoimmune skin diseases develop when the body’s
immune system begins to misidentify and attack healthy skin cells. This
results in inflammation, rashes, scaling, lesions, or blistering, depending
on the condition. Common autoimmune disorders affecting the skin include
cutaneous lupus, psoriasis, vitiligo, scleroderma, and sarcoidosis.
These
diseases vary in severity and may involve other organ systems. Symptoms can
be persistent or flare in cycles, often triggered by sun exposure, stress,
illness, or environmental changes. Diagnosis usually involves clinical
evaluation, blood tests, or skin biopsies.
How is it treated?
Management focuses on suppressing immune activity and
controlling flare-ups. Treatments may include topical corticosteroids or
calcineurin inhibitors, oral immunosuppressants, phototherapy, or biologic
drugs that specifically target immune pathways. For more severe or
treatment-resistant cases, a combination of therapies may be needed.
Charlotte Dermatology develops personalized care plans based on each
patient’s specific diagnosis, skin sensitivity, and treatment response.
Ongoing monitoring and collaboration with primary care or rheumatology
providers ensure comprehensive care. Patient education and lifestyle guidance
also help patients manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
THE TREATMENTS BELOW CAN HELP WITH AUTOIMMUNE SKIN DISEASES:
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