Autoimmune Skin Diseases and Rashes That Affect Appearance Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Psoriasis
9 Autoimmune Diseases That Affect Your Appearance
By Anne L. FritzMedically Reviewed by Alexa Meara, MDReviewed: December 25, 2016Medically ReviewedAlamySome autoimmune diseases affect more than your overall health. They can alter the way you look as well, and that means dermatologists can be on the front lines of diagnosing many of these conditions. “If the rash presents before system symptoms, such as joint pain, muscle aches, etc., we usually see the patients first, before a general practitioner,” says Soheil Simzar, MD, a dermatologist in Santa Monica, California. But no matter which doctor you go to first, “treating the cause will help prevent the skin manifestation,” he says. Here are some of the most common autoimmune diseases that have physical symptoms and how you can treat them.177 Psoriasis Can Cause Red Scaly Patches
Getty ImagesThis inflammatory skin condition psoriasis is a result of overactive skin cells. New skin cells form too quickly and your body can’t shed the old ones fast enough. As a result, the skin cells pile up, causing silvery scales or a red itchy rash to appear, most commonly on your knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. Psoriasis can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription creams, oral medications, phototherapy, injectable biologic medicines, and lifestyle modifications. “By addressing the inflammation associated with psoriasis, treatments may help relieve patients’ symptoms,” says J. Mark Jackson, MD, a clinical professor of medicine/dermatology at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. 8 Ways To Relieve Your Psoriasis Itch
Learn more about relieving psoriasis itch.178 Alopecia Areata Can Cause Large Bald Spots
Getty ImagesIf you start losing large amounts of hair creating large bald spots, it may be due to alopecia areata, a condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles in otherwise healthy people. This disease is marked by hair loss that occurs in round patches. You may lose all the hair on your scalp or body. Alopecia areata is an unpredictable disease, and there is no cure. Hair growth sometimes restarts on its own, or there are treatments to spur regrowth. Your dermatologist can inject your scalp with corticosteroids and prescription creams may also help. Minoxidil, which is now available over the counter, is safe for children and adults to use. While you work with your doctor on treating alopecia, you may want to try changing your hairstyle to cover the alopecia patches or temporarily using a hair piece, suggests Dr. Simzar.179 Vitiligo Can Cause Skin to Lighten in Patches
Getty ImagesVitiligo causes your skin to lighten in patches as your body destroys melanocytes, the cells that make pigment. In some cases, your skin may lose all pigment and turn completely white. The condition can affect your hair, the inside of your mouth, and your eyes. There is no cure for vitiligo, though treatments exist to restore pigment to the skin to even out your skin tone. These include cover-up or foundation, oral and topical medications, and light treatments applied to the affected areas. Light treatments can be time-intensive and costly, and they don’t always work. Surgical treatments, such as skin grafting and tattooing, are another option.180 Thyroid Disease Can Cause Dry Skin Hair Loss and Weight Gain
AlamyAn underactive thyroid means you are producing too few thyroid hormones, in turn, your metabolism may slow down. Symptoms of hypothyroidism develop over time and may include dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, fatigue, and a sensation of being cold. Often hypothyroidism is a result of Hashimoto's disease, when the immune system attacks the thyroid. Hypothyroidism can’t be cured, but it is generally easy to treat. You will have to take a synthetic form of the hormone as a daily pill. Periodic blood tests will help your doctor ensure you are taking the right dose. Once you have the condition under control, your symptoms will start to improve.181 Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Make Your Joints Swell
Jack Sullivan/AlamyWith this autoimmune disorder, your body mistakenly attacks your tissue, particularly your joints. This can make your joints, particularly the smaller ones in the hands and feet, swollen and feel painful. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with the symptoms; however, prescription medications, and oral corticosteroid can help ease the inflammation and other swelling. Other drugs known as biologic response modifiers, such as Humira (adalimumab), also reduce the inflammation that causes joint damage by working on the parts of the immune system that triggers it. Physical therapy, exercise, and stress reduction techniques can help joint and muscle strength and function.182 Type 1 Diabetes Can Cause Itchy Dry Skin That' s Prone to Infection
Getty ImagesType 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. When you don’t produce enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, and your body can’t properly convert food into energy. Because those with diabetes may have impaired blood flow to the feet, it’s important to take good care of your skin. Itchy, dry skin and bacterial and fungal infections are common. Those with type 1 diabetes are also more likely to have vitiligo. Once you have your condition under control with insulin supplementation, your skin should start to improve.183 Lupus Can Cause a Rash Across the Nose and Cheeks
Catherine Ledner/Getty ImagesA butterfly-shaped rash across your nose and cheeks is the classic hallmark of lupus, an autoimmune disease that starts when your body attacks your organs and tissues and leads to inflammation. You may also experience lesions on your skin after sun exposure. Treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and antimalarial drugs.184 Dermatomyositis Causes a Skin Rash
Gary Corbett/AlamyDermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease that causes a skin rash on the face and eyelids, as well as on the shoulders, upper chest, and back, and around the knuckles. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and trouble swallowing. It is most common in children between ages five and 15 and in adults between ages 40 and 60. The autoimmune disorder is treated with immunosuppressants and corticosteroids. In children, the symptoms often go away completely. Adults need to be more careful as this may be a sign of another underlying disease and could develop pneumonia or lung failure, which can be fatal in some cases.185 Pernicious Anemia Causes Skin to Be Very Pale
Ryan J Lane/Getty ImagesPernicious anemia can be brought on by an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks cells in the stomach, making it difficult for the intestines to absorb vitamin B12 needed to make red blood cells. Symptoms may include unusually pale skin, a swollen tongue, and bleeding gums, along with fatigue and loss of appetite. The condition usually responds well to treatment consisting of vitamin B12 shots and oral supplements. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Psoriasis Newsletter
SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Psoriasis
What s a Typical Day Like With Psoriasis
By Howard ChangSeptember 30, 2022 Best and Worst Drinks for Psoriasis
Can drinking more water help ease psoriasis symptoms? How good or bad is alcohol, tea, or soda? Here’s how to make the healthiest choices for your skin...By Becky UphamSeptember 30, 2022 FDA Approves Sotyktu Deucravacitinib for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis
This daily pill could be an option for patients who want to avoid injectable medications.By Becky UphamSeptember 12, 2022 My 5 Biggest Psoriasis Mistakes
By Howard ChangSeptember 2, 2022 My 4-Part Action Plan for Building Confidence
By Howard ChangAugust 15, 2022 FDA Approves New Treatment for People With Plaque Psoriasis
Zoryve is the first steroid-free topical cream to specifically demonstrate efficacy for psoriasis found in skin folds.By Becky UphamAugust 1, 2022 6 Ways Psoriasis Is Different for Women
From emotional health to the impact of sex hormones, women with psoriasis have special concerns.By Pamela AppeaJuly 26, 2022 How to Safely Remove Psoriasis Scales
Removing psoriasis scales can have benefits, but don’t pick or peel them, which can trigger flares. There are several safe and effective ways to free ...By Elizabeth YunJuly 26, 2022 What to Know About CBD for Treating Plaque Psoriasis
This component of cannabis doesn’t bring on a “high” — but it may help fight inflammation and ease anxiety and stress that trigger flares.By Johanna NeesonJuly 26, 2022 Psoriasis Has Changed How I Eat
By Howard ChangJuly 7, 2022