A connective tissue disease is a group of clinical disorders involving the protein-rich tissue supporting organs and other body parts. It may affect the joints, muscles, eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and blood vessels.
Skin rashes are often the early sign of the disease and presenting clinical symptoms. It requires thorough history taking, whole-body skin examination, dermatoscopy examination, skin biopsy for histopathology examination, and other systemic clinical examinations.
Hence, a piece of comprehensive knowledge is essential for accurate diagnosis, better assessment of prognosis, and effective treatment.
Examples
- Lupus erythematosus
- Scleroderma
- Dermatomyositis
- Systemic sclerosis
Eczema
Treatment
Topical corticosteroid
Topical calcineurin inhibitor
Phototherapy