What is an Autoimmune Rash?
Jake Newby
| 4 min read
Jake Newby is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue...
Key Takeaways
- Some autoimmune rashes are mild and manageable, but others may be a sign of something more serious.
- Autoimmune rashes are often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and muscle weakness.
- Flareups of these rashes can be exacerbated by stress or illness.
- Autoimmune diseases can affect anyone, but some groups are more at risk. For example, women are more likely than men to develop many autoimmune conditions like lupus, dermatomyositis and certain thyroid diseases.
What may look like a strange, stubborn patch of irritated skin can sometimes be the result of your body’s immune system attacking healthy tissue instead of protecting it.
This is known as an autoimmune rash, or autoimmune skin disease. Our immune systems typically fight off viruses and bacteria. But sometimes the body can send an incorrect signal that causes it to attack itself, and when it mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, it often shows up as a rash. Some autoimmune rashes are mild and manageable, but others may be a sign of something more serious.
How do I know if my rash is autoimmune?
Autoimmune rashes don’t all look alike. Their appearance depends on the underlying condition. But there are some common patterns.
They may appear red, purple or scaly, while others are raised or bumpy. Some form smooth, flat patches. They can itch, burn or feel tender, symptoms not everyone experience.
Autoimmune rashes are often accompanied by these symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Muscle weakness
- Digestive problems
- Flareups exacerbated by stress or illness
If a rash lingers for weeks, keeps returning or appears with unexplained symptoms, it’s worth discussing with your primary care provider (PCP), who may recommend blood tests, a skin biopsy or refer you to a specialist.
Autoimmune rash examples
One fairly common autoimmune rash example is a lupus rash, which often looks like a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Those with psoriasis may notice thick, silvery scales on the elbows, knees or scalp.
Meanwhile, dermatomyositis can cause a violet-colored or dusky red rash on the face and eyelids and on the knuckles, elbows, knees, chest and back, according to the Mayo Clinic.
With scleroderma – a rare, chronic, autoimmune disease – skin can tighten and harden when the body overproduces the protein collagen, according to Harvard Health, and scleroderma can also scar internal organs.
How serious are autoimmune rashes?
The seriousness of an autoimmune rash depends on the condition that’s triggering them. In some cases, the rash is mostly a skin issue. For example, about 10% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which produces joint pain, swelling and stiffness, per Harvard Health. But in most cases, psoriasis can be managed well with treatment.
In some other cases, autoimmune rashes signal internal inflammation. Lupus can affect the kidneys, heart and lungs. Dermatomyositis may involve muscle weakness that makes normally routine tasks like climbing stairs or lifting objects difficult.
Who can get an autoimmune rash?
Autoimmune diseases can affect anyone – including children, adults and seniors – but some groups are more at risk. Women are more likely than men to develop many autoimmune conditions, including lupus, dermatomyositis and certain thyroid diseases. Some conditions tend to appear in young adulthood, while others develop later in life.
Genetics also play a role, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. If autoimmune diseases run in your family, your risk may be higher. Genetic mutations can affect immune processes and thereby influence susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune rash treatment methods
Treatment for autoimmune rashes focuses on two goals: calming the immune system and relieving skin symptoms. Topical treatments – such as corticosteroid creams or medicated ointments – are often initially prescribed for mild rashes. For more widespread or severe cases, doctors may prescribe oral medications that suppress the immune response.
In recent years, biologic drugs have become an option for conditions like psoriasis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. These medications target specific parts of the immune system rather to calm it down rather than shutting it down entirely.
Lifestyle adjustments can help, too. Individuals cognizant of healing or managing their autoimmune rashes should focus on:
- Sun protection: For ample coverage, choose broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Staying protected from the sun is important for individuals with lupus.
- Stress management: Managing stress in turn helps manage autoimmune rashes since stress directly affects the immune system, inflammation levels and skin barrier function.
- A balanced and nutritious diet: Eating a healthy diet helps reduce inflammation, support gut health and strengthen skin repair.
- Quitting smoking: Abstaining from smoking cigarettes and vaping can reduce flare-ups in the case of some autoimmune conditions.
It’s important to address any persistent skin changes you notice. While the rash itself may not be dangerous, the underlying cause can be. Early diagnosis often makes a big difference. With proper treatment, many autoimmune conditions can be controlled, reducing flare-ups and preventing complications that can compromise both your health and your finances.
If you suspect an autoimmune rash, don’t self-diagnose. Your PCP can help determine the cause and guide you toward the right treatment. Since autoimmune diseases vary widely, treatment plans are highly individualized. What works for one person may not work for another.
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Photo credit: Getty Images
