Autoimmune Skin Disorders

Cutaneous lupus is a skin disorder experienced by people with lupus. About two-thirds of people with lupus will experience some form of cutaneous lupus. The condition produces rashes or sores on areas of the body that have been exposed to sunlight.

There are three main forms of cutaneous lupus:

• Acute cutaneous lupus only produces lesions when a person's lupus is active. It usually presents as a sunburn-like rash on the face that often resembles a butterfly. These lesions are very sensitive to sunlight and can result in discoloration of the skin, though they do not cause scarring.
• Chronic cutaneous lupus usually produces round lesions on the face or the scalp. They are typically red and thick and do not itch or burn. They can form scars over time, and may cause hair to fall out if the scars are on the scalp. If left untreated, the lesions can become cancerous.
• Subacute cutaneous lupus typically produces red lesions with distinct edges. They do not typically itch or cause scarring, but they can result in discoloration of the skin. They are highly sensitive to ultraviolet rays and tend to form on areas of the body that have been exposed to sunlight.

To schedule an appointment with a Temple dermatologist, click here or call 215-707-3376.

Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disorder that produces bouts of muscle weakness and skin rashes. The rash often occurs before the muscle weakness. It is usually dark red and covers the face and eyelids. It can also appear around the nails, knuckles, knees, back, chest or elbows.

Dermatomyositis is more common in women than men. In adults, dermatomyositis usually appears during the late 40s to early 60s. In children, it frequently occurs between ages 5 and 15. While the exact cause of dermatomyositis is unknown, it may be due to a problem with the body's immune system.

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Scleroderma is a chronic disorder that can cause the skin to become thick and tight. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be related to other disorders caused by an overreaction of the body's immune system. The body produces excess amounts of a protein called collagen which causes the characteristic tightening and thickening of the skin.

Scleroderma tends to affect women more than men. It usually appears in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.

Localized scleroderma only affects the skin, while generalized scleroderma affects other parts of the body, including internal organs. Morphea is a form of localized scleroderma. It causes dense, oval-shaped patches to form on the skin. These patches are initially red or purple before becoming white in the center.

To schedule an appointment with a Temple dermatologist, click here or call 215-707-3376.

Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels that can result in several skin problems. Forms of vasculitis that affect the skin include:

• Behcet's syndrome. Often appearing in adults in their 20s and 30s, Behcet's syndrome can produce ulcers on the mouth and genitals, as well as skin lesions that resemble acne.
• Henoch-Schonlein purpura. This condition can cause a rash on the legs, feet and buttocks. It primarily affects children.
• Hypersensitivity vasculitis. This can cause red spots to appear on the skin, often triggered by an allergic reaction to a medication or infection.
• Kawasaki disease. This condition often results in a skin rash in children under the age of five.
• Microscopic polyangiitis. Symptoms often include skin lesions and potential nerve damage.
• Polyarteritis nodosa. Affecting medium-sized blood vessels in the skin, this condition can produce a skin rash called purpura.

To schedule an appointment with a Temple dermatologist, click here or call 215-707-3376.