Question:

I have 3 autoimmune diseases. I also have eczema. Is that also considered and autoimmune disease? Now does that mean I have 4 autoimmune diseases?

Answer:

The term ‘autoimmune disease’ may be used to describe diseases caused by antibodies circulating in the bloodstream that target organs such as the thyroid. An autoimmune disease associated with severe eczema is alopecia areata. Eczema is skin inflammation that is mediated by the immune system, but there are many components such as poor skin barrier function, inflammatory response to bacteria and yeast on the skin, and allergy. Because there is not a consistent identifiable antibody ciculating in the blood of eczema patients, eczema is not usualy classified as an autoimmune disease.

For more information:

Go to the Skin Care and Diseases health topic.