Autoimmune diseases are those where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Autoimmune rashes include eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. They are also called contact dermatitis. The rash is caused by skin cells being damaged by chemicals released by the immune system.
Autoimmune skin conditions are a group of diseases that involve inflammation of the skin. They include eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and other disorders. Some autoimmune skin conditions are inherited; others occur as a result of environmental factors. In most cases, however, no specific cause is known.
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Eczema
The most common form of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is characterized by redness, itching, and dry skin. Eczema can occur anywhere on the body, including the face, scalp, hands, feet, elbows, knees, and back.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is another kind of autoimmune condition. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that causes thick patches of skin to appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and other parts of the body. Psoriasis is also associated with arthritis, depression, and cardiovascular disease.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis can be caused by allergies, infections, irritants, or medications. Some types of dermatitis are allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), which results from exposure to allergens such as nickel, poison ivy, or latex; irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), which develops after prolonged contact with irritating substances like soaps, detergents, cosmetics, or cleaning products; and seborrheic dermatitis, which affects areas around the hair follicles.
Other Common Causes of Autoimmune Rashes
Autoimmune Blistering Diseases
The most common autoimmune blistering disease is bullous pemphigoid (BP). It causes blisters on the surface of the body, usually on the face and scalp. Other types include epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), linear IgA dermatitis (LAD), mucous membrane pemphigoid, and pemphigus vulgaris.
Behçet’s disease
Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, uveitis, arthritis, and skin lesions. It has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and thrombotic complications. The pathogenesis of BD remains unclear but it may involve genetic factors, environmental triggers, and immunologic mechanisms.
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a chronic condition that causes white patches on the skin. It most commonly affects the mouth, but it can affect any part of the body. The exact cause of lichen planus isn’t known, but it’s thought to be related to an immune system response to something in the environment.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a chronic disease that causes hardening of the skin and internal organs. It often affects the hands and feet first, but it can spread throughout the body. The most common symptoms include thickened skin, joint pain, and muscle weakness. There is currently no cure for scleroderma, but treatments may slow its progression.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a condition where the immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine after exposure to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and some oats. The damage causes symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, gas, fatigue, and pain. It can also lead to malnutrition if untreated.
Hypothyroidism Myxedema
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, development, and many other functions in the body. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone (thyroxine). This causes problems regulating energy levels, growth, and metabolism.
Sjögren’s Syndrome
This condition causes dry eyes and mouth, which can lead to pain, burning, and irritation. It may also affect other parts of the body, including the lungs and kidneys. There are many treatments available to relieve symptoms.
Lupus
Lupus is an inflammatory disease that affects many parts of the body. It causes damage to joints, muscles, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and the nervous system. The symptoms vary from person to person, but they often include joint pain, fatigue, fever, and swollen glands.
Signs of Autoimmune Rashes:
- Redness
- Itching
- Dry skin
- Swelling
- Pain
- Crusting
- Blisters
- Blood blisters
- White spots
- Scaling
- Hair loss
- Thickening of skin
- Ulcers
- Fissures
Treating Autoimmune Skin Conditions
There are several treatments available for autoimmune skin conditions. Some of these treatments involve using medications, such as steroids, to suppress the immune system. Other treatments involve using creams or lotions that contain ingredients that calm irritated skin.
Preventing Autoimmune Skin Conditions
The best way to prevent autoimmune skin conditions is to avoid triggers. For example, Stress can trigger flare-ups of autoimmune skin conditions.
Here are some tips to help you avoid triggers:
- Eat a balanced diet. Foods rich in antioxidants (such as fruits and vegetables) can protect against free radicals that trigger inflammation and cell damage.
- Drink plenty of water. Water flushes toxins out of the body and helps keep joints lubricated.
- Get regular physical activity. Exercise improves overall health and reduces stress.
- Avoid smoking. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds that may increase your risk for developing autoimmunity.
- Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol causes dehydration and impairs liver function.
- Follow a healthy sleep schedule. Sleep deprivation increases levels of cortisol, a hormone linked to increased inflammation and autoimmune disorders.
- Take care of yourself emotionally. Stress affects both mind and body. If you feel stressed, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce it.
- Be careful what you eat. Certain food additives can be toxic and contribute to inflammation.
Sources: NIH, Hopkins Medicine