What is pemphigus? How is it different from pemphigoid? What are the symptoms and treatment options for these autoimmune skin disorders in Salt Lake City, UT?.

Understanding Pemphigus

Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune skin disorder that occurs when the immune system starts attacking healthy epidermis cells, the top layer of the skin. This results in blisters and sores on the skin or mucous membranes of the body, such as the mouth, eyes, nose, throat, and genitals. The two most common types of pemphigus are pemphigus vulgaris, which begins with painful blisters in the mouth, and pemphigus foliaceus, which causes itchy blisters on the back, chest, and shoulders.

Pemphigus Symptoms

The hallmark signs of pemphigus include blisters that come and go or rupture and cause infection, sores on the skin or in the mucous membranes, crusting and oozing at the blister site, and the presence of the Nikolsky sign, a test that rubs the top layer of the skin to determine how easily it slips away from the underlying skin layers.

Pemphigus Causes

Doctors do not know the exact cause of pemphigus, but they do know that it is not contagious and cannot be passed down from parent to child. However, an individual’s genes may make them more susceptible to developing pemphigus than others.

Pemphigoid: A Different Autoimmune Skin Disorder

Pemphigoid is another autoimmune skin disorder that bears a striking resemblance to pemphigus, as it can also cause blisters and rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. The main difference is that pemphigoid blisters embed themselves deep into the skin, which means they do not break easily. Pemphigoid also occurs under the top layer of the skin, unlike pemphigus.

Pemphigoid Symptoms

The symptoms of pemphigoid include rashes and fluid-filled blisters, thick-walled blisters, blisters that form on mucous membranes, and blisters that commonly form on the arms and legs where movement occurs. Unlike pemphigus, the Nikolsky sign is absent in pemphigoid.

Diagnostic Procedures

Pemphigus and pemphigoid are both rare, and blisters can be a sign of many different health conditions, so doctors may test for other diseases first. During the initial visit, the autoimmune skin disease specialist will review the medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may remove a piece of the blister to inspect it under a microscope. Blood tests may also be done to measure the levels of pemphigus antibodies in the system. If pemphigus vulgaris or bullous pemphigoid is suspected, an endoscopy may be performed to check for sores in the throat.

Treatment Options

While the underlying causes of these autoimmune disorders are still unknown, there are treatments available to help ease the symptoms. These may include topical medications with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant ingredients, medication infusions administered through an IV, and wound care. The treatment process can take months or years, and some individuals may need to take medication for the rest of their lives.

What is the main difference between pemphigus and pemphigoid?. The main difference is that pemphigoid blisters embed themselves deep into the skin, which means they do not break easily, while pemphigus blisters form on the top layer of the skin and can rupture easily.

What are the symptoms of pemphigoid?. The symptoms of pemphigoid include rashes and fluid-filled blisters, thick-walled blisters, blisters that form on mucous membranes, and blisters that commonly form on the arms and legs where movement occurs. Unlike pemphigus, the Nikolsky sign is absent in pemphigoid.

How are pemphigus and pemphigoid diagnosed?. Doctors may first test for other diseases, as blisters can be a sign of many different health conditions. During the initial visit, the autoimmune skin disease specialist will review the medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may remove a piece of the blister to inspect it under a microscope. Blood tests may also be done to measure the levels of pemphigus antibodies in the system. If pemphigus vulgaris or bullous pemphigoid is suspected, an endoscopy may be performed to check for sores in the throat.

What are the treatment options for pemphigus and pemphigoid?. While the underlying causes of these autoimmune disorders are still unknown, there are treatments available to help ease the symptoms. These may include topical medications with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant ingredients, medication infusions administered through an IV, and wound care. The treatment process can take months or years, and some individuals may need to take medication for the rest of their lives.

Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Treatment in Salt Lake City, UT | University of Utah Health

What Is Pemphigus?

This is a rare autoimmune skin disorder that occurs when your immune system starts attacking healthy epidermis cells (the top layer of your skin). Pemphigus can manifest itself as blisters and sores on your skin or mucous membranes of the body like your mouth, eyes, nose, throat, and genitals. The blisters rupture with ease, which leave open, oozing sores that may become infected.

Pemphigus Types

The two most common types of pemphigus are:

• Pemphigus vulgaris — This begins with painful blisters in your mouth that do not itch. The blistering may then spread to other parts of your body or genital mucous membranes.
• Pemphigus foliaceus — These itchy blisters form on your back, chest and shoulders, but not in your mouth. They are not usually painful either.

Other types of the disease include:

• Pemphigus vegetans — Thick sores in your groin and armpits are a tell-tale sign of this kind of pemphigus.
• IgA pemphigus — This is the least harmful type of pemphigus that can cause small, pus-fillled bumps. The blisters bear a striking resemblance to pemphigus foliaceus, but they are actually caused by the IgA antibody.
• Paraneoplastic pemphigus — This is a rare form of pemphigus that can occur in people with certain types of cancer. Symptoms may include painful mouth and lip sores, cuts and scars on the lining of the eyes and eyelids, blisters, and severe lung problems.

Pemphigus Symptoms

The hallmark signs of pemphigus include the following:

• blisters that come and go or rupture and cause infection,
• sores on the skin or in the mucous membranes, like the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, or genitals,
• crusting and oozing at the blister site, and
• presence of the Nikolsky sign, a test that rubs the top layer of your skin to determine how easily it slips away from the underlying skin layers.

Pemphigus Causes

Doctors still do not know what causes your immune system to mistake healthy cells for viruses or harmful bacteria. But we do know that It is not contagious. It cannot be passed down from parent to child either. However, your genes may make you more susceptible to developing pemphigus than others.

Find an Autoimmune Skin Disease Specialist

Pemphigus vs. Pemphigoid

Pemphigoid is another autoimmune skin disorder that bears a striking resemblance to pemphigus because blisters and rashes can appear on the skin and mucous membranes of the body. One of the most prominent distinctions between the two diseases is that pemphigoid blisters embed themselves deep into the skin, which means they do not break easily. Another difference is that pemphigoid occurs under the top layer of the skin.

Types of Pemphigoid

There are three kinds of pemphigoid which include:

• Bullous pemphigoid — The most common type of pemphigoid that causes rashes and blisters to appear on the arms, legs, joints or lower abdomen.
• Cicatrical pemphigoid — This form of pemphigoid causes blisters to form on the mucous membranes.
• Pemphigoid gestationis — This blistering occurs during or shortly after pregnancy.

Pemphigoid Symptoms

The following signs of pemphigoid are:

• rashes and fluid-filled blisters,
• thick-walled blisters,
• blisters that form on mucous membranes, especially the mouth, eyes, nose, throat, or genitals,
• arm and leg blisters that commonly form on areas where movement occurs, and
• absence of the Nikolsky sign, which tests how easily the top layer of skin is removed from the bottom layers.

Diagnostic Procedures

Pemphigus and pemphigoid are both rare and blisters can be a sign of many different health conditions so we may test you for other diseases first. During your initial visit, our autoimmune skin disease specialist will go over your medical history and conduct a physical examination. We will then remove a piece of the blister and inspect it under a microscope. We can determine the type of pemphigus by running on the skin sample. We may also draw your blood to measure the levels of pemphigus antibodies in your system.

If your doctor suspects you have pemphigus vulgaris or bullous pemphigoid, an endoscopy may be performed to check for sores in your throat. This procedure involves sticking a flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat to see deep down inside.

Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Treatment

We may not know what causes these autoimmune disorders, however, there are treatments that can assist in easing your symptoms:

• Topical medication (eg. corticosteroid creams)
• with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant ingredients
• Medication infusions administered through an IV tube
• Wound care

It can take months or years of treatment for people to get better while others may need to take medication for the rest of their life to keep their symptoms at bay. Some may even be hospitalized for severe or infected sores.

Disease Prognosis

Once someone starts treatment, they can typically live a long and healthy life. However, pemphigus and pemphigoid can become potentially life-threatening diseases, if left untreated. You can greatly improve and possibly eliminate your symptoms by following your doctor’s treatment plan. It could even increase your likelihood of entering into remission (no evidence of disease).

Who Is At Risk?

People over the age of 60 have a greater risk of developing these diseases. People who are in poor health or do not seek treatment are more likely to die from these diseases. However, anyone can get pemphigus or pemphigoid at any age. You could even get pemphigoid while pregnant.  

Make An Appointment with Our Specialists

A referral is required to meet with an autoimmune skin disease specialist. However, if you have questions about a skin condition without a pre-existing diagnosis, you can schedule an appointment with a general dermatologist at the U of U Health clinic by contacting 801-581-2955.

For new patients with an existing diagnosis, you will need a referral from your current provider. Your referral should include your name, date of birth, home address, phone number, and insurance company.

Before your first appointment, records about your autoimmune history should be faxed to U of U Health at 801-581-4911. These records should include clinic notes, biopsy reports, lab reports, diagnostic studies, radiographic studies, and treatments.

Please make sure your doctor faxes your referral to:

University of Utah
Department of Dermatology
Attn: Autoimmune Clinic

Phone: 801-581-2955, ask for autoimmune scheduling
Fax: 801-581-4911

We will review referral requests within 48 hours to make sure that the best dermatologist evaluates each case. We will contact new patients about an appointment. 

Skin Lupus (Cutaneous Lupus) | University of Utah Health

What Is Skin Lupus?

Skin lupus, is an autoimmune skin disease that occurs when your immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake and damages your skin. This can cause redness, itching, pain and eventual scarring of the skin.

Lupus of the skin can occur by itself or manifest as a part of systemic lupus erythematosus — the most serious type of lupus that affects your entire body like your joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain.

Cutaneous lupus, the type affecting the skin, can be effectively treated by our highly trained specialists at the autoimmune skin disease clinic for University of Utah Health.

Types of Skin Lupus

There are three kinds of cutaneous lupus, which include:

• Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) — This type causes a red rash that will not disappear and can leave scarring.
• Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) — This kind will cause sores on parts of the skin that have been exposed to the sun like the upper trunk and arms.
• Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ACLE) — This type may cause a rash on the upper cheeks and nose. It is often a sign of systemic lupus erythematosus.

While these are all different specifications of the disease, they often display similar symptoms.

What Causes Lupus?

The exact cause of lupus continues to leave the medical community perplexed. But doctors can say with certainty that lupus is not contagious so you cannot catch it from someone else. However, your genes can play a potential role in your risk for developing lupus. Researchers are currently studying the possible causes of lupus by looking at different hormones, immune system problems, and environmental and lifestyle factors such as sunlight exposure, smoking, stress, and more.

Find an Autoimmune Skin Disease Specialist

Skin Lupus Symptoms

The typical signs of lupus include, but are not limited to, the following symptoms:

• rashes,
• sores,
• hair loss, and
• sensitivity to the sun.

These symptoms may also be accompanied by:

• joint aches,
• headaches, and
• fatigue.

What Does a Lupus Rash Look Like?

A lupus rash can appear in the following ways: 

• A scaly, butterfly-shaped rash that covers both your cheeks and the bridge of your nose, This rash will not leave any scarring in its wake, but you may notice some skin discoloration such as dark or light-colored areas.
• Red, ring-shaped lesions that do not itch or scar. They can appear on your arms, shoulders, neck or any body part that has been exposed to the sun. These lesions may discolor your skin over time.
• Red, scaly coin-shaped lesions that appear on your scalp and face. These do not hurt or itch, but they can scar your skin and discolor it. Your hair may fall out because these lesions can clog the hair follicle. Hair loss could become permanent if the lesions form scars when they heal.
• A rash in between the knuckles of the fingers.

How Do You Diagnose Lupus of the Skin?

Lupus is not easy to diagnose because the signs can vary from person to person. The symptoms can even overlap with other disorders, which could lead to a misdiagnosis. Plus, there is no test that can diagnose lupus.

For skin lupus, we often remove a small piece (biopsy) of the rash or lesion and inspect it under a microscope to see if it has any features of cutaneous lupus. If systemic lupus is suspected, we conduct blood and urine tests in addition to your physical examination to help diagnose you. 

Lupus Rash Treatment

If you are diagnosed with lupus, our physicians may prescribe an oral medication such as an antimalarial. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to ease the symptoms and prevent lupus flare-ups:

• avoid sun exposure,
• use sunscreen with an SPF of 70 or higher,
• wear protective clothing when outdoors,
• reduce stress, and
• stop smoking.

Skin Lupus Prognosis

Skin lupus varies in severity from person to person, so you should monitor your symptoms and follow the instructions given to you by your physician. A combination of medication and preventative lifestyle habits are typically successful in easing lupus symptoms affecting the skin.

Make An Appointment with Our Specialists

A referral is required to meet with an autoimmune skin disease specialist. However, if you have questions about a skin condition without a pre-existing diagnosis, you can schedule an appointment with a general dermatologist at the U of U Health clinic by contacting 801-581-2955.

For new patients with an existing diagnosis, you will need a referral from your current provider. Your referral should include your name, date of birth, home address, phone number, and insurance company.

Before your first appointment, records about your autoimmune history should be faxed to U of U Health at 801-581-4911. These records should include clinic notes, biopsy reports, lab reports, diagnostic studies, radiographic studies, and treatments.

Please make sure your doctor faxes your referral to:

University of Utah
Department of Dermatology
Attn: Autoimmune Clinic

Phone: 801-581-2955, ask for autoimmune scheduling
Fax: 801-581-4911

We will review referral requests within 48 hours to make sure that the best dermatologist evaluates each case. We will contact new patients about an appointment. 

understand the complex and complete list of diseases

Content

• 1 Autoimmune diseases: symptoms, causes and a list of the most common diseases
  • 1.1 Autoimmune diseases: what is it?
  • 1.2 Autoimmune diseases: definition and essence of the problem
  • 1.3 Examples of autoimmune diseases in the human body
  • 1.4 Causes and development of autoimmune diseases
  • 1.5 Treatment of autoimmune diseases: basic methods
    • 1.5.1 Basic principles of treatment of autoimmune diseases
    • 1.5.2 Basic methods of treatment of autoimmune diseases
  • 1.6.2 Opportunities for a fulfilling life
• 1.7 Rheumatoid arthritis: how it manifests and what causes it
• 1.8 Autoimmune diseases: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• 1.9 Systemic lupus erythematosus
• 1.10 Scleroderma
• 1.11 Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• 1. 12 Psoriasis
  • 1.12.1 What is this disease?
  • 1.12.2 What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
  • 1.12.3 How to treat psoriasis?
• 1.13 Related videos:
• 1.14 Q&A:
  • • 1.14.0.1 What are autoimmune diseases?
    • 1.14.0.2 What are autoimmune diseases?
    • 1.14.0.3 How do autoimmune diseases occur?
    • 1.14.0.4 Can an autoimmune disease be cured?
    • 1.14.0.5 What symptoms accompany autoimmune diseases?
    • 1.14.0.6 What treatments are used for autoimmune diseases?

Learn more about autoimmune diseases. The article presents a list of common diseases and their manifestations. Everything is explained in simple terms.

Every person is faced with diseases. Someone takes them away from their thoughts for a moment, and someone fights them for many years. Autoimmune disease is one of the types of diseases when not the body is alkalized, but our immune system.

By remembering how our immune response works, the topic of such diseases becomes more understandable. Normally, our immune system recognizes and attacks infections and foreign substances that could harm the body. However, in the case of autoimmune diseases, it ceases to distinguish between its own cells and those of others and begins to attack its own body.

As for the symptoms of each individual disease, it depends on which part of the body is attacked. Some types of diseases affect the skin, others affect the joints, and others manage to damage pneumonia, the eyes, and other organs. Below is a list of some of the most common autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases: what is it?

Autoimmune diseases are a group of diseases in which the body’s immune system mistakenly starts attacking and destroying its own healthy tissues and organs, perceiving them as hostile. Serious and even dangerous health consequences can result from such attacks.

Among the most common autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Sögren’s syndrome, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic sclerosis, etc. Their total number can reach several dozen different types that can have similar symptoms, but differ in their specificity of manifestation and treatment.

Autoimmune diseases: definition and essence of the problem

Autoimmune diseases are a group of pathologies in which the human immune system attacks its own tissues and organs, believing them to be foreign objects. The process of development of autoimmune diseases is associated with an imbalance in the system of immunoregulation – the control of the immune system. As a result of this attack on one’s own tissues, inflammatory processes occur, which can lead to disturbances in the functioning of human organs and systems.

Autoimmune diseases can appear at any age and symptoms typically include inflammation, pain, swelling, fatigue and fever. If you suspect such a disease, you should consult a rheumatologist, immunologist or other specialist.

Autoimmune diseases do not have clear causes, but the most common risk factors are genetic predisposition, immune system disorders, and some external factors such as infections or stress. The treatment of such diseases requires an integrated approach and depends on the general condition of the patient, the form of the disease and other factors.

Examples of autoimmune diseases in the human body

Autoimmune diseases can affect various organs and systems of the human body. Consider some of them:

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints and can lead to their deformity.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s connective tissue, leading to inflammation of blood vessels, joints, and other organs.
• Chronic autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory liver disease in which the immune system attacks liver cells.
• Systemic scleroderma is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and damage to the connective tissue of the skin, joints and internal organs.

These are just a few of the many autoimmune diseases that can occur in the human body. The treatment for each of them can vary, so it is important to seek the help of a doctor and get individual advice and treatment according to the diagnosis.

Causes and development of autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly begins to attack its own cells and tissues, mistaking them for hostile ones. At the moment, the causes of this process remain unknown, but there are a number of factors that can predispose to the development of autoimmune diseases.

Hereditary factors play a significant role in the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. If close relatives have such diseases, then the person has an increased risk of developing them.

External influences can also influence the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. It can be any infection, toxic substances, stress, changes in hormonal balance.

Often the appearance of the first signs of autoimmune diseases is associated with dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. Excessive presence of bacteria, fungi, viruses in the intestine leads to its damage and disruption of the protective function. As a result, parts of microorganisms penetrate into the blood and cause the appearance of specific pathogenic antibodies.

Treatment of autoimmune diseases: basic methods

Basic principles of treatment of autoimmune diseases

Treatment of autoimmune diseases is aimed at reducing the activity of the immune system by suppressing inflammation and reducing the formation of antibodies.

The main goals in the treatment of autoimmune diseases are:

• Reducing symptoms;
• Slowing the progression of the disease;
• Stopping the processes leading to the destruction of tissues and organs;
• Maintenance of remission;
• Improving the quality of life of patients.

Primary treatments for autoimmune diseases

Treatment for autoimmune diseases may include a variety of treatments and drugs that will be prescribed depending on the specific disease and the severity of its manifestations. The main treatments for autoimmune diseases include:

1. Glucocorticosteroids are drugs that reduce inflammation in the body;
2. Immunosuppressants – drugs that suppress the activity of the immune system and reduce the progression of the disease;
3. Immunosuppressive drugs – drugs that reduce the amount of expression of genes responsible for activating the immune system;
4. Interleukin inhibitors – drugs that can stop the development of autoimmune diseases associated with interleukin-6 dysfunction;
5. Biologicals – drugs based on genetic engineering technologies and aimed at reducing the activity of immune system components that are involved in the development of autoimmune diseases.

The treatment of autoimmune diseases is long and requires constant monitoring by a doctor. With proper treatment and compliance with all the recommendations of patients, a significant improvement in the quality of life can be achieved.

Prognosis and opportunities for a fulfilling life in autoimmune diseases

Predictions

Autoimmune disease prognosis ranges from moderate to severe. Some autoimmune diseases can be easily controlled with medication, while others can be life-threatening. Prognosis directly depends on the type of disease, its stage and the presence of complications. Early medical attention and proper treatment significantly improve the prognosis of autoimmune diseases.

Opportunities for a fulfilling life

Although autoimmune diseases can significantly limit life and the ability to perform certain activities, there are certain opportunities for achieving a fulfilling life. In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes can significantly affect the health and well-being of a patient with an autoimmune disease. This may include proper nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate rest, stress management, and avoidance of certain habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
Also, an important part of a fulfilling life is the support of family, friends and medical staff. Patients with autoimmune diseases can face many challenges, including physical and emotional ones. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. Support and understanding of those around you can help ease the burden on patients and improve their quality of life.
Table of possible limitations in daily activities caused by autoimmune diseases:

ActionPossible limitations

Walking	Joint pain can make walking painful or difficult. Progressive disease may lead to the use of crutches or a wheelchair.
Personal care	Some patients may have difficulty performing independent activities such as dressing, bathing, and combing their hair.
Job	Autoimmune diseases can cause poor performance and absenteeism. This may lead to a reduction in working hours, a change in position or dismissal.
Communication	Avoidance of communication due to contagiousness, as well as associated depression and anxiety, can lead to social isolation in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis: how it manifests and what causes it

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, which is an inflammatory process in the joints and a violation of their functioning. In RA patients, there are complex changes in the body associated with the activity of the immune system and damage to the connective tissue. The main symptoms of RA are soreness, swelling and stiffness of the joints, which are especially evident in the morning and after prolonged immobilization (for example, in a sitting position at work).

RA is unique in that it is a chronic disease that can lead to critical impairments in the ability to move and communicate if left untreated. In addition, it is often accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of energy, loss of appetite, fever, and eye pain. The risk of getting RA increases with age and is 1-3% in the total number of diseases, and also has risk factors such as genetics, smoking and viruses.

• Symptoms: soreness, swelling and stiffness of the joints, loss of strength, loss of appetite, fever and pain in the eye area.
• Treatment: medications, physiotherapy and stress relief.
• Prevention: smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption and a balanced diet.

Treatment for RA begins with taking steps to reduce joint inflammation and associated pain, swelling, and stiffness. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, such as medication, physical therapy, and stress relief. Preventive measures such as smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, and a balanced diet can also help prevent the development of RA.

Type of drug Examples of drugs Biologicals Infliximab, adalimumab. Chondroprotectors Chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine.

Given the severity and range of symptoms associated with RA, it is important to find the right treatment under the supervision of a specialist. This may include choosing certain medications, changing your diet, and adding special exercises to your exercise routine. At the moment, there is no method that would guarantee a complete cure for RA, but regular monitoring and treatment of identified symptoms can help control the disease and maintain a high quality of life.

Autoimmune disorders: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune thyroid disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys thyroid cells, which can cause it to malfunction.

Among the main symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are an increase in the level of iodine in the blood, an enlarged thyroid gland, metabolic disorders, fatigue, drowsiness, weight loss or gain, constipation, increased sensitivity to cold.

Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, like other autoimmune diseases, can be done with blood tests for the presence of autoantibodies, which are usually necessary for the thyroid gland to work, but the immune system becomes aggressive on them.

The goal of treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is to reduce autoantibody levels, reduce thyroid inflammation, and restore thyroid function. Treatment may include medication, diet, lifestyle changes, and other methods.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the most common autoimmune diseases that affects women much more often than men. It is often diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 and 50 and can occur on its own or in combination with other autoimmune diseases.

• Important to know:
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is not inherited, but some genes may influence the risk of developing it;
• The thyroid gland plays an important role in the body, controlling metabolism, temperature, and other functions;
• Factors that can increase the risk of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis include stress, viruses, bacteria, excess iodine, and others.

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and systems of the body, including the skin, lungs, kidneys, and cardiovascular system.

The main symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus is a red rash on the skin, which may be accompanied by itching and flaking of the skin. Joint pain, fever, fatigue, and hair loss may also occur.

Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus includes the use of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as courses of glucocorticoids. Regular consultation with a rheumatologist and nutritionist can also help control symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.

It is important to note that systemic lupus erythematosus is not a hereditary disease, but patients with relatives who have an autoimmune disease may be at a higher risk of developing this disease than other people.

• Rare symptoms may include:
  • Seizures
  • Breathing problems
  • Dry eyes
  • Memory loss
• lupus erythematosus may involve intensive care and hospitalization.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue and can affect the skin, joints, internal organs, and blood vessels.

Patients with scleroderma experience thickening of the skin and discoloration, which can lead to dryness, itching and cracking. In addition, many suffer from painful joints and muscle weakness.

Internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys, heart, stomach and intestines can also be affected by scleroderma. This can lead to various problems such as difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, and decreased organ function.

There are two main types of scleroderma: localized and diffuse. Localized scleroderma is mostly limited to the skin and joints, while diffuse scleroderma is a more severe and rapidly progressive form that also affects internal organs.

• Symptoms of scleroderma:
  1. Thickening and discoloration of the skin;
  2. Painful joints and muscle weakness;
  3. Difficulty breathing and high blood pressure;
  4. Low functionality of internal organs.

Treatment of scleroderma is symptomatic and perhaps difficult due to its diversity. As a rule, patients are prescribed immunosuppressive drugs, as well as drugs aimed at reducing symptoms. In more severe cases, surgery or an organ transplant may be required.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes. It manifests itself in the form of a scalding rash that can spread throughout the body, as well as swelling and redness of the eyes and mouth.

Symptoms of the syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, medications, or other allergens. However, the exact cause of its occurrence is unknown.

Treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome includes discontinuation of offending medications and continued supportive care. In severe cases, hospitalization and treatment in intensive care may be necessary.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. It can have serious complications such as infections and organ damage. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and monitoring health status are important steps to prevent the onset of this disease.

Psoriasis

What is this disease?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that presents with dry skin, burning and itching, and red patches of skin covered with silvery white scales.

In psoriasis, the immune system attacks the skin’s own cells, which leads to an increase in their number and the formation of so-called “psoriatic lesions”.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

• Dry skin;
• Burning and itching;
• Presence of red spots on the skin covered with silvery white scales;
• Peeling of skin on spots;
• Fissures and soreness in affected areas.

How to treat psoriasis?

Treatment of psoriasis depends on the severity and nature of the disease and may include the use of topical ointments and creams, laser therapy, systemic medications, and lifestyle changes to reduce stress and improve nutrition.

Other experimental treatments include skin moisturizing, phototherapy, and the use of biologics to block immune system activity.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune disease is when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, mistaking them for the enemy.

What are autoimmune diseases?

There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Still’s syndrome, and others.

How do autoimmune diseases occur?

The causes of autoimmune diseases are still not fully understood, but their occurrence is influenced by genetic and environmental factors (viruses, bacteria, stress, etc.).

Can an autoimmune disease be cured?

Autoimmune diseases cannot be completely cured, but remission and improved quality of life can be achieved with treatment.

What symptoms accompany autoimmune diseases?

Symptoms of autoimmune diseases can vary depending on the disease, but fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, digestive problems, etc. are common.

What treatments are used for autoimmune diseases?

Treatment for autoimmune diseases may include anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs, physical therapy, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases lead to conditions resulting from an abnormal immune attack of the body on its own cells, parts of the body as foreign.

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In some autoimmune diseases, one organ is damaged, for example, in juvenile diabetes (type I) – the pancreas. Other AIDs affect the body as a whole – an example of such a pathology is systemic lupus erythematosus. More than 9 known0 autoimmune diseases – they can affect any part of the body.

Most common:

• juvenile diabetes – affects the pancreas;
• rheumatoid arthritis – affects the joints;
• psoriasis – affects the skin, in 30% of diseases the joints are also affected;
• multiple sclerosis affects the nervous system;
• systemic lupus erythematosus – captures the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart and other organs, systems;
• inflammatory bowel disease – manifested by Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis;
• Addison’s disease – affects the adrenal glands;
• Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – affect the thyroid gland;
• Sjögren’s syndrome;
• myasthenia gravis – with nerve damage;
• autoimmune vasculitis with damage to the circulatory system;
• celiac disease – with the inability to eat foods containing gluten.

The cause of AIDs is still unknown, and therefore there is no way to completely cure them. Therapy is usually aimed at relieving symptoms, alleviating the general condition, prolonging periods of remission.

There are many theories of the development of AID and increase in their frequency in the XX-XXI century. One of the latest is the “hygienic hypothesis” (2015, University of British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver). According to her, starting from 19In the 1980s, vaccines and antiseptics prevented people from being exposed to as many microbes as in the past, causing the immune system to overreact to harmless substances and the body’s own cells.

Women suffer from AID more often than men – 6.4% of women versus 2.7% of men; people of mature and old age are more often young, but for women the childbearing age is especially dangerous in this respect – from 15 to 44 years.

There are “familial” AIDs that are “inherited”, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. However, this does not mean that every member of the family will necessarily get sick.

Although a complete cure is not possible, it is very important to identify the disease at an early stage, when the lesions are still minor. Early diagnosis can significantly improve the quality of life with AID, lengthen remission periods, and in cases with serious illnesses, life itself.

Symptoms

AIDs have a wide range of symptoms. But each of them has one of three pathological effects and manifests itself in:

• damage, destruction of tissues;
• or – changes in the growth of organs;
• or – changes in organ function.

Other symptoms:

• constant fatigue;
• aching muscles;
• swelling, rash and redness;
• feverish conditions;
• problems with concentration;
• numbness, tingling in the limbs;
• hair loss.

In type 1 diabetes, there is a constant thirst, a person often loses weight. With IBD – persistent or recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating. Symptoms come and go (flare) and go away (remission). Many people perceive such a shift as a one-time ailment and go to the doctor only in severe cases. Often the disease is diagnosed by chance, conducting research for another reason.

Methods of laboratory diagnostics of AID

One of the main tests for diagnosing AUS is detection of autoantibodies in blood serum.

• aCCP – detection of antibodies to cyclic citrulline-containing peptide. The test is prescribed for the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and detects RA seronegative for rheumatoid factor, excluding other rheumatic diseases. The sensitivity of the test is about 40%. In the advanced stages of rheumatoid arthritis, studies of aCCP are not performed. A positive test for aCCP is the basis for predicting severe joint damage, but there is also a positive side to this result: a high level of these antibodies predicts the effectiveness of treatment with genetically engineered biological products.
• sDNA – detection of antibodies to single-stranded DNA. Antibodies to single-stranded (denatured) DNA are one of the markers of systemic lupus erythematosus. It is not the main one, as it is also determined in autoimmune chronic hepatitis, drug-induced lupus, collagenoses, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, infectious mononucleosis and blood diseases.
• ANA profile – detection of antibodies to nuclear antigens. The ANA profile is a heterogeneous group of autoantibodies that are directed against components of the cell nucleus. They are determined in a variety of autoimmune diseases, more often in inflammatory rheumatoid, systemic lupus erythematosus (sensitivity – 98%), as well as in some malignant diseases. Assign a study on the ANA profile to people with symptoms of an autoimmune process of unknown origin. A positive result for the ANA profile implies further laboratory testing with more specific tests for Sharp’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, Shengren’s syndrome, systemic scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, limited form of progressive systemic sclerosis, and others.
• pANCA – detection of antibodies to myeloperoxidase. The action of anti-MPO is directed against neutrophil myeloperoxidase. They are detected in systemic vasculitis (Wegener’s disease, Churg-Strauss syndrome, microscopic polyarteritis, and others), pANCA are found in more than 50% of patients with ulcerative colitis, sometimes with rheumatoid arthritis. Since the test has a low specificity, a positive result is interpreted, taking into account the data of the anamnesis, additional laboratory tests.
• PR-3 ANCA Anti-proteinase-3 antibody detection. PR-3 ANCA are determined by the defeat of Wegener’s granulomatosis – they are found in 90% of patients. These antibodies are also determined in about 30% of cases of microscopic polyarteritis and renal limited vasculitis. In patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis, small and medium-sized vessels are damaged, necrotic granulomas are formed. The pathological process captured the kidneys, lungs, upper respiratory tract. and it is so intense that it causes perforation of the nasal septum, the formation of infiltrates in the lungs with the formation of cavities, kidney failure, hearing loss, damage to the organs of vision, heart. Without treatment, patients can die within 2 years.
• Gastro-5-line . This test is performed to detect antibodies A, G to Castle factor (intrinsic factor), parietal (parietal) cells, tTGA (tissue transglutaminase), Anti-gliadin (gliadin), ASCA. The test is performed to diagnose AID of the stomach and intestines, in including especially serious ones – celiac disease, pernicious anemia, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis:

1. antibodies to Castle factor is detected in approximately 70% of patients with pernicious anemia;
2. parietal cells – in 90% of patients with malignant anemia, in approximately 50% of patients with atrophic gastritis, in 30% of patients with thyroiditis;
3. tTGA is a highly sensitive marker of celiac disease that can occur in 95-100 cases out of 100;
4. antibodies to gliadin are detected at a high level in celiac disease;
5. ASCA serves to distinguish between ulcerative colitis (up to 7% of diseases) and Crohn’s disease (up to 70% of diseases).

• n-DNA – detection of antibodies to native DNA. This test allows you to diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus with high accuracy. With an active untreated form of the disease, it is positive in about 90% of cases. Changing the amount of n-DNA allows you to assess the activity of the disease, so the test is recommended to be done every 3 months.

• Determination of cryoglobulins in blood serum. Cryoglobulins at temperatures below 37 ° C form a precipitate (clot) in vitro, which dissolves when heated. They are detected in patients with SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, Raynaud’s disease, glomerulonephritis; primary cryopathies; syphilis, toxoplasmosis; chronic liver diseases, etc.

• Determination of pepsinogens – I and II. Pepsinogen I precedes the enzyme pepsin and normally enters the blood in small doses. A decrease and increase in its level indicates damage to the gastric mucosa.