CONDITION INFORMATION
Autoimmune and Related Conditions
Autoimmune conditions can affect joints, skin, and internal organs, and symptoms may overlap. Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and psoriasis need condition-specific assessment. Fibromyalgia is included here because it was listed by the clinic, but it is a chronic pain condition and is not classified as an autoimmune disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint swelling, warmth, stiffness, pain, and fatigue. Early diagnosis and disease-modifying treatment help control inflammation and reduce the risk of joint damage. A rheumatologist commonly guides treatment and monitoring.
NIAMS: Rheumatoid arthritis Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus symptoms vary and can involve skin, joints, kidneys, blood, lungs, heart, or nervous system. Diagnosis may require medical history, examination, and laboratory tests. Ongoing monitoring is important because disease activity and treatment risks can change over time.
NIAMS: Lupus diagnosis and treatment Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-related skin condition that can cause inflamed, scaly patches. It has several forms and treatment depends on type, severity, location, and related joint symptoms. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and guide skin or systemic treatment.
NIAMS: Psoriasis diagnosis and treatment Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can cause widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. It is not considered an autoimmune disease, and diagnosis usually involves reviewing symptoms and considering other possible causes. Care often combines symptom management, movement, sleep support, and other individualized approaches.
NIAMS: Fibromyalgia Coordinating care safely
Tell each clinician about all prescriptions, supplements, allergies, and specialist diagnoses. Do not stop immune-modifying or other prescribed medicines without the prescribing clinician’s advice. New fever or infection symptoms deserve prompt attention, particularly for people taking immune-suppressing medicines.
This page provides general health information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Many of these conditions require specialist care. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment without speaking with your clinician.