Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Lesions most often appear on the face, ears, scalp, neck, and hands. They are usually not itchy or painful, but they may cause dark spots or scars that remain on the skin after they heal.
If you have a darker skin tone, the long-standing patches of discoid lupus will eventually clear and can leave behind dark spots (A), light spots, or permanent scars (B). Prompt treatment of the thick, scaly patches can prevent spots and permanent scarring.
Morphea affects the skin and underlying tissue and sometimes bone. The condition generally lasts several years and then improves or at times disappears by itself. It may leave scars or areas of darkened or discolored skin. It is possible for morphea to recur.
Localized scleroderma typically causes patches of thick, hard skin in one of two patterns. Morphea causes patches of skin to thicken into firm, oval-shaped areas. These areas may have a yellow, waxy appearance surrounded by a reddish or bruise-like edge.
What is telangiectasia? Telangiectasias (commonly known as "spider veins") are dilated or broken blood vessels located near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. They often appear as fine pink or red lines, which temporarily whiten when pressed.
Vasculitis: Vasculitis involves inflammation of blood vessels, leading to various symptoms depending on the affected organs. The diagnosis often requires imaging studies and biopsies, making it one of the more challenging autoimmune diseases to identify.
Changes in skin pigmentation can occur for many reasons, such as birthmarks, pigmentation disorders, rashes, and infections. An increase in melanin, for example, can cause darker patches to appear. Skin contains melanin, which is the pigment that gives the skin its color.
Circumscribed morphea is the most common subtype that predominates in adults, characterized by one or a few (i.e., 3 to 4) oval-shaped, thickened patches of skin, which are usually painless but may be itchy. The patches vary in pigment, with some areas appearing darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.
Liver spots are flat, brown or black spots that can appear on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. They have nothing to do with the liver or liver function. Lentigos, sometimes called age spots or freckles, are a result of cumulative damage to the skin by sunlight.
Lupus can also cause other problems in the abdomen, including peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining) and ascites (a build-up of fluids in the abdomen). Symptoms of peritonitis and ascites include: Abdominal pain and swelling. Nausea and vomiting.
Some deficiencies are thought to cause brown spots, for example vitamin B12. Eating a varied and balanced diet will help to minimize the risk of deficiencies.
Keep an eye on spots that look different to others on your body, spots that have changed in size, shape, colour or texture, and sores that itch, bleed, or don't heal. If you notice any of these signs, see your doctor and seek their expert opinion.
Most eye floaters are caused by age-related changes that occur as the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eyes liquifies and contracts. Scattered clumps of collagen fibers form within the vitreous and can cast tiny shadows on your retina. The shadows you see are called floaters.
Dark spots commonly occur as people age. They are often the result of past sun exposure. But they can also be due to some skin conditions, medications, and certain medical conditions.
Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. This happens when melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white color.
Liver spots are flat, dark patches of skin. They are not dangerous or uncomfortable. But you may want treatment for cosmetic reasons. Your dermatologist can recommend creams, lotions, gels or in-office procedures to lighten skin.
Myositis usually affects the muscles you use to move, including muscles in your: Arms and shoulders. Legs and hips.
If you have a neurological autoimmune disease, your immune system may be overly active and mistakenly attack healthy cells. The most common of these is multiple sclerosis (MS).
Telangiectasias can emerge on the skin or inside the mouth, especially once the person with HHT reaches the age of 40. The telangiectasias may look like spider veins or tiny red or purple spots that turn pale or white when pressed, and they may be confused with cherry angiomas or birthmarks.
Systemic scleroderma: Scleroderma causes abnormal collagen growth and affects the skin, joints and other organs, and is often characterized by swelling in the fingertips, joint pain, spider veins and calcium bumps. In serious cases it may cause kidney disease and heart failure.
Telangiectasias are fine, threadlike lines that may appear blue, red, or purple. The color of these lines will depend on whether they are veins or arteries. The distorted blood vessels generally measure between 1 and 3 millimeters wide. They are usually asymptomatic but may occur with itching and pain.