Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system (normally responsible for fighting infections) mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. This misdirected response can cause inflammation, pain, fatigue, and damage to organs or entire systems. More than 80 autoimmune conditions have been identified by medical professionals, but some are far more common and better understood than others. While autoimmune diseases cannot currently be permanently “cured,” many of these conditions are highly manageable with medications, lifestyle adjustments, and early diagnosis.
Listed below are the most widely recognized/diagnosed gastrointestinal and skin-focused autoimmune conditions. Read on to learn more about what triggers each of these conditions, how symptoms may manifest themselves and what treatments are commonly prescribed to those affected.
Gastrointestinal Autoimmune Diseases
Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease is unique from many of the other autoimmune conditions we have covered in this series thus far; it is triggered by a substance foreign to the body.
Gluten is a protein complex derived from grains such as barley, rye and wheat. It forms an elastic network that traps gas and helps the rising effect that gives many baked goods their chewy texture and volume. It is also the primary culprit for causing discomfort in people with Celiac Disease.
If you have Celiac, eating gluten triggers an immune response once the gluten reaches the small intestine, in your digestive tract. The strength of this immune response can cause damage to the small intestine and its lining, lessening or preventing its ability to absorb nutrients.
Common symptoms of this type of intestinal damage include bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, nutrient deficiencies and anemia.
There is no cure for Celiac Disease, or medication designed to lessen the immune response. Following a strict gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms and help the intestines heal.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions that cause ongoing inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis mainly affects the colon and rectum. IBD is considered an autoimmune-related condition, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the gut, leading to inflammation, damage, and long-term symptoms.
Common symptoms of IBD vary by person and disease type but often include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. Many people also experience blood or mucus in their stool, reduced appetite, and urgency to have bowel movements. During flare-ups, symptoms can become severe and disruptive, while periods of remission may bring few or no symptoms. IBD can also cause problems outside the digestive system, such as joint pain, skin issues, eye inflammation, and anemia.
Treatment for IBD focuses on reducing inflammation, managing symptoms, and preventing flare-ups and complications. Medications are the mainstay of treatment and may include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune-suppressing medications, biologic therapies, and newer targeted treatments. Dietary changes, stress management, and nutritional support can also play an important role. In cases where medications are not effective or complications develop, surgery may be needed to remove damaged portions of the intestine or colon.
Skin-Focused Autoimmune Diseases
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin, causing the immune system to speed up the life cycle of skin cells. This rapid turnover leads to a buildup of cells on the surface of the skin, forming inflamed, scaly patches. Psoriasis is not contagious and can range from mild to severe. While it most commonly affects the skin, it is a systemic disease that can also be associated with other health conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders.
Symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, causes raised, red patches covered with silvery-white scales, often appearing on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Other symptoms may include itching, burning, or soreness, dry or cracked skin that may bleed, and thickened or pitted nails. Some people experience joint pain and stiffness, which can be a sign of psoriatic arthritis.
Treatment for psoriasis focuses on slowing skin cell growth, reducing inflammation, and relieving symptoms. Options include topical treatments such as corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs for mild cases, as well as phototherapy using controlled exposure to ultraviolet light. Moderate to severe psoriasis may require systemic medications, including oral drugs and biologic therapies that target specific parts of the immune system. Lifestyle changes, such as managing stress, avoiding known triggers, and maintaining healthy skin care routines, can also help control flare-ups.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a long-term autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment (melanin). As these cells are destroyed or stop functioning, patches of skin lose their color and become white or lighter than the surrounding skin. Vitiligo can affect people of all ages, skin tones, and ethnic backgrounds, and while it mainly impacts appearance, it does not directly harm physical health. The condition can be unpredictable, with periods of stability and progression.
The most common symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of smooth, depigmented patches on the skin, often starting on the hands, face, arms, feet, or around body openings. Hair growing in affected areas may turn white or gray, and some people experience changes in color inside the mouth or nose. Vitiligo does not usually cause pain or itching, but the visible changes can have significant emotional and psychological effects, especially when patches spread or appear on exposed areas.
Treatment for vitiligo aims to restore skin color where possible, slow the progression of depigmentation, and improve quality of life. Options include topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, light-based therapies such as narrowband UVB, and newer targeted treatments that modulate immune activity. In some cases, surgical procedures like skin grafting may be considered for stable vitiligo. Sun protection, cosmetic camouflage, and counseling or support groups are also important parts of comprehensive care.
Stay tuned for Part 4 of our ongoing series on autoimmune disease, which will cover neurological and blood related conditions.
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