About 10% of Americans have autoimmune diseases, with many people experiencing uncomfortable and frustrating skin problems as a result. At Associates in Dermatology, the board-certified dermatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin problems, so they have the unique expertise needed to manage autoimmune skin diseases with skill and compassion. There are three offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Punta Gorda, Florida, so click the online booking feature or call the office nearest you now.
Autoimmune skin diseases are a group of conditions that happen when your body’s immune system attacks your skin. In many autoimmune skin diseases, other parts of the body are also affected, such as the internal organs and connective tissue.
Associates in Dermatology treats all types of autoimmune skin disorders, including:
Scleroderma causes skin thickening and rigidity. It may be localized (affecting patches of skin) or systemic (affecting blood vessels, muscles, and major organs like the heart and lungs).
Plaque psoriasis occurs when you produce new skin cells faster than you shed them, leading to thick growths called plaques. Other types of the disease cause skin issues like blisters and peeling sheets of skin. About 30% of people with skin psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis.
Dermatomyositis causes a dark red or purple-red skin rash on the upper body. Skin may thicken and tighten painfully. It also features progressive muscle weakness, soreness, and stiffness.
Epidermolysis bullosa causes fluid-filled blisters. The skin is particularly fragile with this disease, so blisters develop after very mild skin irritation, such as rubbing the skin lightly. Even changes in room temperature might trigger it.
Bullous pemphigoid causes large fluid-filled blisters in areas like the arms, legs, or upper body, but they can also occur in the mouth and other areas. The disease is most common in older adults.
The Associates in Dermatology team treats each autoimmune skin disease case by case.
The main focuses of treatment are relieving your skin issues and slowing the disease down. Topical treatments, like medicated creams or lotions, are a common approach for damage that’s mainly limited to the skin.
For wider-spread skin problems or systemic diseases, many patients need oral medication, injected drugs, or intravenous (IV) infusions. These medications can help prevent inflammation, reduce the immune response, or block certain immune system molecules.
Ultraviolet light treatment, using the XTRAC® laser, is an effective option for psoriasis. It doesn’t affect the immune system and offers up to 95% clearance of plaques in one month.
A customized skin care regimen can also help improve the health of your skin.
Associates in Dermatology offers the most advanced treatments for autoimmune skin diseases. Book your appointment online or call for help today.