Autoimmune skin diseases

The clinical picture of lupus erythematosus describes a systemic disease of the skin and connective tissue. It is an autoimmune disease from the group of collagenoses. Those affected complain of fever, weakness and pain in the joints.

In the majority of patients, the skin is also involved, which manifests itself in the form of rashes. But other organs can also be affected. The cause of the development is still unknown.

Unfortunately there is no specific therapy available. Skeroderma describes an inflammatory rheumatic disease of the skin. It is an autoimmune disease from the group of collagenoses.

Collagen is deposited in the small blood vessels and in the connective tissue. Thus the skin hardens over time. The exact cause of its development has not yet been clarified. A specific therapy is not available. The most commonly used drugs are D-penicillamine or glucocorticoids.

Skin diseases of unclear genesis

Neurodermatitis, also called atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory disease of the skin. It is a chronic disease that occurs permanently or in a chronically recurring form. Those affected suffer from severe itching and drying of the skin.

In addition, redness, blisters, poplars and scaling occur in these areas. The exact causes of this disease have not yet been clarified. The basic therapy for every patient is to ensure that the skin is sufficiently oily to rebuild the barrier function and prevent dehydration.Depending on the course of the disease, glucocorticoids or drugs that model the immune system are also used.

The clinical picture rosacea describes a chronic inflammation of the facial skin. The symptoms of rosacea include redness and the formation of veins. In more severe cases, inflammatory papules and pustules can also occur.

Rosacea can also manifest itself additionally in the eyes. The cause of its development is not yet fully understood. Therapy consists of alleviating the symptoms, for example by local and systemic drug treatment.

More information on this topic can be found here: Rosacea – Why is it called rosacea? The clinical picture Lichen ruber planus, also known as nodular lichen, describes a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and mucous membranes that proceeds in relapses. Itchy nodules develop in different parts of the body.

The affected areas may have a brownish discoloration as well as fine milky white streaks (Wickham’s streak). If the mucous membrane is affected, there are net-like white coatings. Unfortunately, the causes are not fully understood. The therapy consists of a local treatment with ointments containing cortisone. Alternatively, severely keratinized lesions can be treated with salicylic acid or irradiation with UV light.