Skin conditions in women
Your skin is your largest organ and a major immune barrier. Rashes, patches, and color changes are often the first visible signs of an autoimmune condition.
Conditions that affect your skin 17
Autoimmune and chronic conditions that can involve your skin. Each guide covers early signs, labs to ask about, and when to see a doctor.
Chronic spontaneous urticaria
AutoimmuneHives that appear on their own, without a clear trigger, most days for 6 weeks or longer. In many people, autoantibodies drive the reaction.
Lupus
AutoimmuneA whole-body autoimmune disease that can inflame the skin, joints, kidneys, blood, heart, lungs, and brain.
Psoriasis & psoriatic arthritis
AutoimmuneAn immune-mediated condition in which skin cells build up too quickly, forming thick, scaly patches. Up to about 1 in 3 people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.
Scleroderma
AutoimmuneThe immune system drives thickening and scarring of the skin, and sometimes internal organs, along with damage to small blood vessels.
Skin conditions
ChronicCommon long-term skin conditions that cause breakouts, rashes, redness, or itching. Hormones, immune activity, and the skin barrier all play a role.
Vitiligo & alopecia areata
AutoimmuneTwo autoimmune conditions of the skin and hair. Vitiligo destroys pigment cells, leaving white patches. Alopecia areata attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss.
Addison's disease
AutoimmuneThe immune system damages the adrenal glands, so they can't make enough cortisol and aldosterone. It's rare but serious, and different from everyday stress-related fatigue.
Autoimmune liver disease
AutoimmuneTwo autoimmune liver diseases that mostly affect women: autoimmune hepatitis attacks liver cells, and primary biliary cholangitis attacks the small bile ducts.
Dermatomyositis & myositis
AutoimmuneAutoimmune conditions in which the immune system inflames the muscles, causing weakness. Dermatomyositis also causes a distinctive rash.
Mixed connective tissue disease
AutoimmuneAn overlap condition with features of lupus, scleroderma, and myositis, marked by high levels of an antibody called anti-U1 RNP.
Celiac disease
AutoimmuneAn autoimmune reaction to gluten (in wheat, barley, and rye) that damages the lining of the small intestine and blocks nutrient absorption.
Crohn's disease & ulcerative colitis
AutoimmuneImmune-mediated conditions in which the immune system drives chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. They're often grouped with autoimmune diseases.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
ChronicA common hormone condition that often causes irregular periods, higher androgen (male-type hormone) levels, and insulin resistance. Despite the name, not everyone with PCOS has ovarian cysts.
Sjögren's disease
AutoimmuneThe immune system targets the glands that make tears and saliva, causing lasting dryness. It can also affect joints, nerves, and other organs.
Allergies
ChronicAn immune overreaction to harmless things in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander.
Perimenopause and menopause
ChronicMenopause is the point 12 months after your last period, when the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs. Perimenopause is the years of shifting hormones before it, when most symptoms begin.
Rheumatologic conditions
ChronicRheumatology covers conditions of the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissue, and many of them are autoimmune. This overview explains how inflammatory joint pain differs from mechanical pain, and where to read about specific conditions.
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Signs worth getting checked
- A rash that flares after sun exposure
- Thick, scaly patches
- White patches of skin
- Hives that keep coming back for 6 weeks or more
Ingredients that affect your skin
Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other supplements commonly used for the skin. Each one links to its full guide.
About your skin
What it does
The skin protects you from infection, regulates temperature, and makes vitamin D from sunlight. It's packed with immune cells, so it often reflects what's happening inside the body.
Common issues
- Eczema and acne
- Rosacea
- Hives
- Rashes from irritants or allergies
Wondering if your symptoms fit a pattern?
Dr. Lesher is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women's autoimmune and chronic conditions. Since 2020, she has helped more than 900 patients overcome and heal from their conditions.