Dermatology and Cosmetic Medicine

Autoimmune and Systemic Diseases

Autoimmune and Systemic Diseases encompass a wide range of conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and damage. These diseases can affect multiple organs and systems, making diagnosis and treatment complex.Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system loses its ability to distinguish between self and non-self, attacking healthy cells. Common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), and type 1 diabetes. Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) can impact the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs, presenting with symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. Multiple sclerosis targets the central nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, vision problems, and coordination difficulties. Type 1 diabetes involves the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in high blood sugar levels.Systemic diseases are conditions that affect multiple organs and tissues or the entire body. Examples include systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), vasculitis, and sarcoidosis. Systemic sclerosis is characterized by the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues, which can also affect internal organs like the lungs, heart, and digestive system. Vasculitis involves inflammation of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and potential damage to organs and tissues. Sarcoidosis is marked by the formation of granulomas clusters of inflammatory cells in various organs, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. Diagnosis of autoimmune and systemic diseases often involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Treatment typically aims to reduce immune system activity, manage symptoms and prevent organ damage. This can include medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and biologics. Lifestyle changes, physical therapy and supportive care are also important aspects of managing these conditions. Due to their chronic nature, patients often require ongoing monitoring and adjustments to their treatment plans.