Autoimmune skin disease care

When your immune system mistakes healthy skin for a threat, it can make life challenging, both physically and emotionally. Autoimmune skin diseases cause a range of symptoms, including rashes, blisters, itching, and pain. Some types lead to visible changes that impact how you see yourself.

Autoimmune skin diseases are chronic conditions, meaning you will likely need lifelong management. However, many of these symptoms can be treated. Some conditions can go through cycles—they may flare up, become less active, and even go into remission.

Penn Medicine dermatologists are experienced in diagnosing and treating skin-related autoimmune diseases and rashes. We offer advanced treatments that can help control flare-ups and provide relief. Because some disorders can also impact other organs, joints, and muscles, our specialists work closely with rheumatologists and other experts to provide the best care.

When you are looking for immediate relief, it helps to have experts who understand what is causing your symptoms, especially in rare or complex cases. Penn Dermatology specialists treat all types of autoimmune diseases that affect the skin, and our team approach means we work together to find the best solution for your needs.

Our dermatologists are often noted by publications such as Philadelphia Magazine’s Top Docs™, Best Doctors in America, and America’s Top Doctors for their outstanding patient care and expertise in treating skin diseases. Many also serve on boards or committees of distinguished national organizations, including the Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, Lupus Foundation of America, International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation, Scleroderma Foundation, and American College of Rheumatology.

Understanding the cause is the first step toward better care. At Penn Dermatology, our researchers study autoimmune skin diseases to discover and test new treatments. We’re one of the few departments in the country with dedicated dermatologic research labs and dermatopathology facilities. Through this work, we’re moving care forward with research and clinical trials.

For those facing an autoimmune blistering disease, daily life can be complicated by the constant threat of new blisters and open sores. At Penn Dermatology’s Autoimmune Blistering Disorders Clinic, we treat all forms of blistering conditions, including the two most common types, pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid.

Penn Medicine’s dermatopathologists (skin pathology specialists) are experts in examining skin biopsies and work closely with your dermatologist to understand your condition. They use advanced diagnostic tools like electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and ELISA assays, tests that may not be widely available. Because of our expertise, physicians from across the region and beyond refer patients with complex cases to us.