Autoimmune Diseases

What are autoimmune disorders?

An autoimmune disorder causes a person’s immune system to attack its own tissues. Depending on the condition, an autoimmune condition can affect a variety of organs, the skin being a common one.

There are several types of skin-related autoimmune disorders. Two of the most common include scleroderma and psoriasis. 

Scleroderma can affect all of the body’s connective tissue. Patients can experience not only skin changes, but also symptoms in blood vessels, muscles and organs. One form of scleroderma results in patches of thickened skin. Men and women are both at risk for scleroderma, but the majority of cases occur in women in their thirties and forties.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that appears as a scaly rash on the skin and is often brought on by infections, stress and cold weather.

Treatments for skin-related autoimmune disorders

A variety of medications can help treat the symptoms of scleroderma and prevent complications. Psoriatic conditions require a targeted treatment approach. At your scheduled appointment, our dermatologists will discuss with you the full range of options for your condition.
 

Programs + Services

Rheumatology

The Division of Rheumatology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston offers comprehensive evaluation, consultation and management of arthritis and rheumatic disease.
More information about programs and services

Doctors + Care Team

Timothy E. McAlindon, MD, MPH
Request Appointment for Timothy E. McAlindon, MD, MPH

Timothy E. McAlindon, MD, MPH

Loading ...

Accepting New Patients

Virtual Appointments Available

Online Scheduling Available

Title(s): Chief, Division of Rheumatology; Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine
Department(s): Medicine, Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology
Appt. Phone: 617-636-5990
Fax #: 617-636-2388

Osteoarthritis, general rheumatology, lupus

View Full Profile for Timothy E. McAlindon, MD, MPH
William F. Harvey, MD, MSc, FACR
Request Appointment for William F. Harvey, MD, MSc, FACR

William F. Harvey, MD, MSc, FACR

Loading ...

Accepting New Patients

Virtual Appointments Available

Online Scheduling Available

Title(s): Clinical Director, Rheumatology; Rheumatologist; Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine
Department(s): Medicine, Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology
Appt. Phone: 617-636-5990
Fax #: 617-636-2388

Osteoarthritis, general rheumatology, musculoskeletal ultrasound

View Full Profile for William F. Harvey, MD, MSc, FACR
Robert A. Kalish, MD
Request Appointment for Robert A. Kalish, MD

Robert A. Kalish, MD

Loading ...

Accepting New Patients

Virtual Appointments Available

Online Scheduling Available

Title(s): Director, Rheumatology Education; Associate Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine
Department(s): Medicine, Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology
Appt. Phone: 617-636-5990
Fax #: 617-636-2388

General rheumatology, Lyme disease

View Full Profile for Robert A. Kalish, MD
Steven C. Vlad, MD, PhD
Request Appointment for Steven C. Vlad, MD, PhD

Steven C. Vlad, MD, PhD

Loading ...

Accepting New Patients

Virtual Appointments Available

Online Scheduling Available

Title(s): Rheumatologist; Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine
Department(s): Medicine, Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology
Appt. Phone: 617-636-5990
Fax #: 617-636-2388

General rheumatology, spondyloarthropathies, psoriatic arthritis and anklylosing spondylitis

View Full Profile for Steven C. Vlad, MD, PhD