Autoimmune Skin Disease Program
The Autoimmune Skin Disease Program brings together dermatologists, dermatopathologists, rheumatologists, and scientists with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of autoimmune disorders of the skin, hair, and nails that may also affect other organs, such as joints, lungs, and kidneys. Autoimmune disorders of the skin include the following diagnoses:
- Systemic, cutaneous, and drug-induced lupus
- Morphea
- Scleroderma
- Cutaneous vasculitis
- Lichen planus
- Lichen sclerosus
- Dermatomyositis
These conditions lead to skin rashes or other skin changes (e.g., skin thickening or pigmentary changes), which can be very problematic and are frequently life-altering. These conditions may also affect other organs in the body, which may require careful monitoring and treatment.
Yale’s Autoimmune Skin Disease Program recognizes this and works with each patient to find the treatment approach that is most suited to their situation and individual goals. The program also strives to identify and evaluate new therapies for these disorders.
Our Approach
The primary goal of the Autoimmune Skin Disease Program is to provide optimal care for each patient seen by our specialists. We take an individualized approach to each patient’s diagnosis and their goals, pairing these with the best treatment options. As a tertiary referral center, our health care providers are experienced in the recognition and management of very complex cases that have previously defied diagnosis.
The program also has several active clinical trials in which interested patients may have the ability to participate, potentially providing them access to some of the latest molecular therapies undergoing evaluation for the treatment of these disorders. Patients may also have an opportunity to participate in other research projects designed to better understand the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases and their effect on patient well-being with the goal of identifying better treatments.
Our Team
Our team was assembled with the goal of bringing together leading dermatologists with expertise in autoimmune skin disorders and leading physicians in other specialties such as rheumatologists with expertise in systemic autoimmunity. Together, our interdisciplinary team evaluates patients and offers them comprehensive treatment plans.
Physicians in the program include internationally recognized leaders in medical education on autoimmune skin disease, scientists who have deciphered the underlying immunology of these disorders, and physicians who have led the evaluation of new treatment approaches for patients with autoimmune conditions of the skin.
The Yale Autoimmune Skin Disease Program also includes dedicated pharmacists with specialized training in the practical and safe use of cutting-edge dermatologic medications, including those used to treat cutaneous autoimmune disorders. The pharmacists have vast expertise in effectively coordinating insurance coverage and are another important point of contact for our patients as they navigate coverage of specialty medications.
We have also developed community outreach programs geared towards increasing awareness of autoimmune disorders and the novel treatment options available to patients at Yale.
