Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Skin and connective tissue diseases are a group of conditions that affect the skin, joints, and connective tissues in the body. Some common skin and connective tissue diseases include:

Psoriasis: a chronic autoimmune skin disease that causes scaly, red patches on the skin.

Eczema: a skin condition characterized by itchy, dry, and inflamed skin, often with blisters.

Scleroderma: a group of autoimmune diseases that cause hardening and thickening of the skin and connective tissues.

Lupus: a chronic autoimmune disease that affects many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and internal organs.

Dermatomyositis: a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and muscles.

Gout: a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to pain and swelling.

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness in the joints.

Treatment for skin and connective tissue diseases varies depending on the specific condition, but may include:

Topical or oral medications: such as corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and immunosuppressive drugs.

Light therapy: such as ultraviolet light therapy for psoriasis.

Physical therapy: to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.

Joint injections: to reduce pain and swelling in the joints.

Surgery: in severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.

It’s important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of skin and connective tissue diseases, as some can lead to serious complications if left untreated.