Could Your Skin Condition Be An Autoimmune Disease?
Is this just a skin rash or should I be alarmed? ?
Any new abnormality on the skin might be a cause of alarm, and sometimes with good reason.
Autoimmune disorders present in different ways. One of the most common ways is by attacking the skin.
In this blog, we look at some autoimmune disease skin and their effect.
Autoimmune Disease Skin
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease skin that causes the immune system to accelerate the growth of skin cells.
As a result, there is a buildup of skin cells which causes plaque to form. Plaque is typically patches of dead skin which are referred to as scales.
Psoriasis can form anywhere on the body, from the scalp to the knees.
While there is no real cause of psoriasis, studies have shown that it is a hereditary condition.
Like with many autoimmune diseases, signs and symptoms are usually first seen in early adulthood. Although people of various ages can be affected.
Psoriasis flares usually heal and come back periodically. Triggers may include infections, medications, stress, and more.
Lupus of the Skin
Skin Lupus or Cutaneous Lupus is a mild form of Lupus that only affects the skin.
It’s caused when the immune system attacks healthy skin cells damaging the skin.
Symptoms vary but it is usually characterized by scarring, pain, rashes, and itchy skin.
Lupus flares are more often linked to sun exposure. Studies show that up to 70% of Lupus flares are worsened by sun exposure or spending too much time under fluorescent lighting.
It is also sometimes confused with sunburn.
People with more serious forms of Lupus, like SLE, might also suffer from Cutaneous Lupus at some point.
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Usually affecting women over the age of 40, Sjogren’s Syndrome affects more than 3 million people in the United States alone.
It usually causes dry eyes, dry mouth and a skin rash. Other symptoms include joint pain, swollen salivary glands, and prolonged fatigue.
Sjorgen’s syndrome can cause complications to your eyes and dental cavities down the road.
Eczema
Eczema can be both an autoimmune and genetic disorder. It’s perhaps one of the more popular skin conditions on this list.
Although it mainly affects children, it can persist into adulthood. Adult-onset eczema is also quite common.
Eczema might be characterized by an itchy rash and any part of the body can be affected.
In Conclusion
Other autoimmune disease like celiac disease, hypothyroidism, scleroderma, lichen planus, and Behcet’s disease are well known for causing skin-related changes.
Autoimmune diseases can be mysterious and it can take months and even years before someone is properly diagnosed.
Unfortunately along the way, this can cause distress to the patient and it might even make the condition worse.
If you are suffering from recurrent skin conditions and you don’t have a proper diagnosis, you might want to visit a specialist to investigate further.
Schedule a consultation here and speak to one of the best health and wellness professionals.
None of the statements on this blog have been evaluated by the FDA.
Furthermore, none of the statements on this blog should be construed as dispensing medical advice nor making claims regarding the cure of diseases. You should consult a licensed health care professional before starting any supplement, dietary, or exercise program, especially if you are pregnant or have any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
