Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases
Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases are conditions such as lupus, scleroderma and dermatomyositis that can affect many parts of the body including the skin (also called rheumatic skin disease). While the skin involvement is not usually life threatening, it can be severe and have a great impact on the quality of life of patients suffering from these diseases.
In order to provide better care, we have established a clinic specifically designed to evaluate and treat patients with rheumatic and connective tissue diseases that have skin involvement. In this clinic, patients will be seen simultaneously by both a board certified dermatologist and a rheumatologist (a specialist in joints, soft tissues and connective tissue diseases). This allows for a more extensive evaluation and a treatment approach that can encompass all aspects of the patient’s condition. Patients need to be referred from their primary care physician. For questions about referrals, please call the Dermatology/Rheumatology Coordinator at (801) 585-7638.
