Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disorders
Number of Conditions: 8
Lupus Erythematosus (Cutaneous and Systemic)
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disorders
Symptoms:
butterfly-shaped facial rash; joint pain and swelling; photosensitivity; fatigue; oral ulcers; hair loss; systemic symptoms like kidney involvement (in systemic lupus)
Root Cause:
Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and damage.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, blood tests (e.g., ANA, anti-dsDNA), and skin or organ biopsies.
Treatment:
Sun protection, topical or systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antimalarials.
Medications:
Antimalarials (e.g., hydroxychloroquine ) – for systemic and cutaneous lupus. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) – for inflammation. Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate , mycophenolate mofetil). Biologics (e.g., belimumab ) – for refractory cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 5–50 per 100,000 globally, more common in women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, hormonal factors, infections, and environmental triggers like UV light.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition with variable severity; systemic lupus can be life-threatening without treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney damage (lupus nephritis); Cardiovascular disease; Neurological symptoms
Dermatomyositis
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disorders
Symptoms:
heliotrope rash (purple discoloration on eyelids); gottron's papules (scaly bumps on knuckles); muscle weakness; fatigue; difficulty swallowing; photosensitivity
Root Cause:
Autoimmune attack on muscle and skin tissues, possibly triggered by infections or malignancies.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Muscle biopsy, skin biopsy, elevated muscle enzymes (e.g., CK), and EMG studies.
Treatment:
Corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and physical therapy.
Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) – to control inflammation. Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate , azathioprine ). Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) – for severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
1–10 per million people annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Middle age, female gender, and association with malignancies.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early treatment improves outcomes but complications may arise.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Interstitial lung disease; Calcinosis; Cancer
Scleroderma
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disorders
Symptoms:
skin thickening and hardening; raynaud’s phenomenon; joint pain; swallowing difficulties; tightness around mouth and facial features
Root Cause:
Excessive collagen deposition in skin and internal organs due to autoimmunity.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, ANA tests, and skin biopsies.
Treatment:
Symptom management with immunosuppressants and vasodilators for Raynaud's.
Medications:
Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate , mycophenolate mofetil). Vasodilators (e.g., nifedipine ) – for Raynaud’s phenomenon. Proton pump inhibitors – for GERD symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
50–300 cases per million people, more common in women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, exposure to certain chemicals, and infections.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic and progressive; prognosis depends on the extent of organ involvement.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary hypertension; Renal crisis; Cardiac involvement
Pemphigus Vulgaris
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disorders
Symptoms:
painful blisters on skin and mucous membranes; raw, open sores; difficulty eating (oral blisters)
Root Cause:
Autoimmune attack on desmogleins (proteins in skin cells), leading to loss of cell adhesion.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin biopsy with direct immunofluorescence, and blood tests for anti-desmoglein antibodies.
Treatment:
Systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ). Immunosuppressants (e.g., rituximab , azathioprine ). Antibiotics – for secondary infections.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
1–5 cases per million people annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Middle-aged or elderly, genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Requires lifelong management; untreated cases can be fatal.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infections; Sepsis; Nutritional deficiencies
Bullous Pemphigoid
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disorders
Symptoms:
large, fluid-filled blisters; itchy, inflamed skin; blisters commonly on the arms, legs, and abdomen
Root Cause:
Autoimmune attack on hemidesmosomes, leading to detachment of the epidermis from the dermis.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin biopsy with direct immunofluorescence.
Treatment:
Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ). Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine ). Tetracycline antibiotics – for anti-inflammatory effects.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
10–40 cases per million people annually, more common in the elderly.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, neurological conditions, or certain medications.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment, but relapses are common.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infections; Dehydration; Sepsis
Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disorders
Symptoms:
blistering rash; clusters of fluid-filled blisters; itchy or painful lesions; commonly affects lower abdomen, thighs, and mucous membranes
Root Cause:
Autoimmune attack on basement membrane proteins, causing separation between skin layers.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin biopsy with direct immunofluorescence showing linear IgA deposition.
Treatment:
Dapsone is the first-line treatment, along with corticosteroids for severe cases.
Medications:
Dapsone – anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) – for severe inflammation. Immunosuppressants (e.g., mycophenolate mofetil) – for refractory cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, approximately 0.5–2 cases per million people annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Drug reactions (e.g., vancomycin), genetic predisposition, and autoimmune conditions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with treatment; spontaneous remission may occur.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary infections; Scarring of mucous membranes
Morphea
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disorders
Symptoms:
localized patches of hard, thickened skin; discolored plaques; reduced mobility in affected areas (in deep morphea)
Root Cause:
Excessive collagen deposition in localized areas of the skin, leading to fibrosis.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, skin biopsy for confirmation.
Treatment:
Topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, or systemic immunosuppressants for severe cases.
Medications:
Topical corticosteroids (e.g., betamethasone ). Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate ). Phototherapy (e.g., UVA1 therapy).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, about 0.4–2.7 cases per 100,000 people annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, trauma, and certain infections.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
May resolve spontaneously over time; severe cases can leave permanent skin changes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Disfigurement; Contractures; Psychological distress
Erythema Multiforme
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disorders
Symptoms:
target-like red lesions; itching or burning; lesions on hands, feet, and mucous membranes; mild fever or malaise
Root Cause:
Hypersensitivity reaction, often triggered by infections (e.g., herpes simplex virus) or drugs.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination and exclusion of similar conditions; skin biopsy if uncertain.
Treatment:
Treat underlying cause (e.g., antivirals for herpes), supportive care, and corticosteroids for severe cases.
Medications:
Antivirals (e.g., acyclovir ) – for herpes simplex virus. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) – for inflammation. Antihistamines – for symptomatic relief.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 0.01–1% of the population; more common in young adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Herpes simplex infections, drug reactions, or genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally self-limiting in mild cases; recurrences may occur.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome; Painful mucosal erosions; Scarring