Patients may benefit from participating in ongoing studies of new drugs, devices and therapies. Our dermatologists have access to clinical trials involving disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, itching, skin cancer, cutaneous T cell lymphoma and alopecia.
For complex conditions, our dermatologists work with specialists, such as genetics; blood disorders (hematology); interventional radiology; cardiology; neonatology; cancer; eye; ear, nose and throat; plastic surgery; and arthritis and autoimmune disorders (rheumatology).
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases result when our immune system – our body’s natural defense against infection – mistakenly targets healthy tissues in our body. Autoimmune diseases are not contagious and but can be serious and may require prescriptions for anti-inflammatory medications in order to control. Our dermatologists see patients with lupus, dermatomyositis, and systemic sclerosis, as well as morphea, vasculitis, pemphigus, and pemphigoid.
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Patients with autoimmune diseases may have rashes or changes in their skin and suffer from inflammation, pain, and other symptoms.
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Patients with lupus often have sun-sensitive rashes, joint pain, and fatigue. In severe cases, lupus can affect organs inside the body.
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Patients with dermatomyositis also have sun-sensitive rashes and some may have muscle weakness, muscle pain, or breathing problems.
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Patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) have gradual hardening of their skin that start in the fingers, and may have lung or kidney problems.
Our Team
As researchers and educators for the University of Minnesota Medical School, our dermatologists bring in-depth knowledge to their clinical practice. The physicians listed on this page are full-time faculty at the University of Minnesota.
The Department of Dermatology and the Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, have also joined together to create an interdisciplinary team dedicated to caring for patients with rheumatologic diseases associated with skin disease. We are proud to provide the highest level of care to patients with complex autoimmune disorders, as well as specially trained physicians who bring in-depth knowledge to their clinical practice.
