Autoimmune Diseases of the Skin: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Management

An autoimmune disease is a health condition in which the body's immune system attacks the healthy tissues and organs instead of the harmful ones. This condition negatively impacts several parts of the body including the skin. There are several types of autoimmune skin diseases, namely, Behcet's disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, dermatomyositis, lichen planus, scleroderma, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, vasculitis, pemphigoid and pemphigus. Some common symptoms of autoimmune skin diseases are rashes, blisters, lesions, fatigue, and scaly patches. Generally, a biopsy is performed and blood tests can also be done for the diagnosis of autoimmune skin diseases. The treatment methods for these diseases vary according to the type of skin condition. Systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive treatments are commonly used to treat pemphigus and pemphigoid. Dapsone and a gluten free diet can be used to treat the condition of dermatitis herpetiformis. This book provides comprehensive insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of autoimmune skin diseases. With state-of-the-art inputs by acclaimed experts, it targets students and medical professionals.