Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s Syndrome Sjogren’s Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many body parts.  The most common symptoms are dryness in the eyes and mouth.  Other symptoms can include fatigue, joint pain, rashes, and occasional lung, kidney, liver, or...

Vasculitis

Vasculitis Vasculitis refers to various conditions that cause inflammation of the blood vessels. These can occur in and of themselves (idiopathic) or secondary to another condition. While some forms of vasculitis can be localized to the skin, other types may affect...

Scleroderma

Scleroderma Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune disease that predominantly affects the skin and connective tissue diseases. It can also involve other organs in the body, including the lungs, heart, and kidneys. Cause: The exact cause is...

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle stiffness and pain, primarily affecting the neck, shoulders, and hips.  These symptoms can develop rapidly, at times overnight,  and are typically worse in the...

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus) Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown cause. It can be limited to the skin (cutaneous) or involve multiple organ systems (systemic). It is characterized by developing antibodies such as ANA, dsDNA, and Smith antibodies....

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is caused by the immune system malfunctioning and attacking a person’s body.  RA most commonly affects the joints, but it can affect other body parts, including the eyes and the lungs.  Typical symptoms of rheumatoid...