Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous Manifestations of Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases

Abstract

The cutaneous features of autoimmune connective tissue disease pose a unique challenge to patients and clinicians managing these conditions. In this review, we outline the key elements of diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, and morphea. This article also aims to present an update on gold standard as well as new and emerging therapies for these conditions. Overall, dermatologists can play a key role in diagnosing and treating autoimmune connective tissue diseases and this review intends to provide an up-to-date toolkit to guide clinical dermatologists in this endeavor.

Anti‐nuclear matrix protein 2 antibody‐positive amyopathic dermatomyositis presenting in a patient with prostate cancer: A case report

“…Other agents such as methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil can be added to the treatment regimen and have proven to be effective for both the cutaneous and muscle symptoms. [27][28][29] In conclusion, NXP-2 positive amyopathic DM can present only with cutaneous manifestations, without any classic features such as muscle weakness, dysphagia, and edema. These cutaneous manifestations can be nonspecific and heterogeneous, making them difficult to recognize early in the disease course as they can stray from typical DM findings.…”

“…Although HCQ is a reasonable first‐line systemic therapy, it is often insufficient alone. Other agents such as methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil can be added to the treatment regimen and have proven to be effective for both the cutaneous and muscle symptoms 27–29 …”

“…Other agents such as methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil can be added to the treatment regimen and have proven to be effective for both the cutaneous and muscle symptoms. 27 , 28 , 29 …”

UVB Phototherapy for sclerosing skin conditions – series of 10 cases

“…Both phototherapy and solar UV radiation (heliotherapy) have long been utilized to treat various skin conditions [4]. In many skin conditions today, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, morphea, and mycosis fungoides phototherapy represents an interesting therapeutic approach [5]. According to reports, UVA-1 is effective in treating morphea by lowering the number of Langerhans and mast cells [6].…”

“…According to reports, UVA-1 is effective in treating morphea by lowering the number of Langerhans and mast cells [6]. UVB phototherapy has recently been explored for the treatment of morphea with promising results in combination with acitretin [4] or antimalarials [5]. Additionally, all localized sclerosis lesions improved upon clinical examination following phototherapy, and clinical palpation showed softening of the lesions.…”