8 Autoimmune Disorders That Cause Rashes

6.17.2025 0 comments

Author: Trisha Houghton, CNS, ASIST

Could your questionable rash be a sign of an autoimmune disorder or another underlying disease? Possibly.

Autoimmune diseases, in which your immune system becomes overactive and attacks your body’s own tissues, are characterized by a myriad of symptoms. Many of them present with fatigue, pain, and fever, but quite a few of them also cause rashes. So, you’re right to consider these types of conditions.

Knowing which disorders cause rashes can be helpful if you suspect you have an autoimmune disorder, and that’s where this article will be helpful. Read on to learn about 8 autoimmune disorders that cause rashes, typical autoimmune rash locations, rash severity, and more.

1. Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Lupus, also called “systemic lupus erythematosus,” is a chronic autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your tissues and organs.

Lupus can affect several body organs and systems, including your heart, lungs, blood cells, kidneys, and more, causing symptoms like joint pain and swelling (among other things).

The majority of lupus sufferers experience skin changes of some kind, but about 30% get a butterfly rash (also called a malar rash). It appears on the bridge of the nose and cheeks and resembles a butterfly.

But there are multiple rash types to be aware of if you have lupus:

• Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus rash – This rash typically coincides with a flare-up and can be anywhere on the body.
• Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus rash – This type of rash is made up of interlocking circles and develops in sun-exposed areas. It’s usually not painful or itchy.
• Discoid lupus rash – This rash appears on the face or scalp, is shaped like a coin, and may cause skin discoloration. It carries an elevated cancer risk.

*This isn’t an exhaustive list of lupus rashes. To learn more about this systemic autoimmune disease, refer to this resource.

Lupus rash severity varies based on the type of lupus, the individual’s immune response, and environmental factors like sunlight or stress. The rash could range from mild to severe.

To treat autoimmune diseases like lupus, it’s critical to work with a medical provider to determine the most effective course of treatment. They may prescribe antibiotics, biologics, immunosuppressants, or other medications to help you feel better.

2. Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is an incurable condition that causes chronic muscle inflammation, muscle weakness, and skin rashes. The autoimmune disorder is often diagnosed in adults between 40 and 60 (age is one of many risk factors), but it can occur at any age.

If you have this illness, you may experience one or more skin conditions:

• Red dots and shininess or puffiness around nails (due to capillary dilation).
• Cracked or dry skin on hands (specifically on the fingers and palm). This rash type is common in children with dermatomyositis.
• Hard calcium deposits that leave lumps and bumps anywhere on the body.
• A lilac-colored rash on eyelids with puffiness (forehead, cheeks, or bridge of nose as well). The skin rash may look dark purple in individuals with darker skin tones. This isn’t usually the case for those with lighter skin tones.
• An itchy red rash over the hip, on the neck and chest, or across the upper back and shoulders.

When the issue is dermatomyositis, the rashes will come and go, varying in severity and intensity.

To find some relief from this condition, there are several things you can do. Take steps to control your stress levels and stop smoking if applicable. In addition to that, it’s helpful to stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen before going out during the day.

Your doctor will also advise you on prescription treatments or medications that can help with the condition and the rashes that appear. Topical treatments and immunosuppressants are typical treatment options for people with dermatomyositis.

3. Psoriasis

One of the most widely known autoimmune skin conditions is psoriasis – a skin disease where the skin cells grow much too quickly, leading to a persistent rash. There is no cure for this long-term illness.

Per the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis is both skin-related and systemic. 

With plaque psoriasis, you’ll notice thick, dry, scaly patches of skin that flare up and go away. If you notice that your skin issue goes away only to return later, you just may be suffering from this condition.

Some think that psoriasis is body-part specific; this simply isn’t the case. Sufferers of this condition may have dry and flaky patches nearly everywhere, including:

• Knees;
• Elbows;
• Scalp;
• Trunk;
• Feet;
• Fingers;
• And more.

Unfortunately, this condition can be very painful, sometimes debilitating. But some cases are indeed milder in nature.

Ointments and creams are the treatments of choice for many doctors treating autoimmune rashes like psoriasis. But alternative treatments include light therapy and injectable and oral medications. Your doctor will help you manage symptoms with tailored treatment options.

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4. Scleroderma

Per the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, scleroderma is an incurable immune condition where your overactive immune system tricks tissues into thinking they’re injured. In this dysfunctional internal environment, we see widespread inflammation and thickened skin.

There are two types of scleroderma – localized and systemic – and systemic is the worse one.

Here is how the two types differ:

• Localized Scleroderma: Only the skin and the structures just beneath the skin are affected.
• SystemicScleroderma: In addition to the skin, many systems in the body are affected (blood vessels and internal organs, for example). This is what makes systemic scleroderma more damaging to the body.

Scleroderma can cause several different rashes to develop:

• Generalized morphea: Can be red, purple, or yellow in color with red or bruised-looking edges and take on the shape of an oval (usually a half-inch or larger in diameter). Several patches may grow in a similar area, forming a cluster of them. They may feel tight.
• Linear scleroderma. This is when large bands of thickened skin take on a different color. The disease infiltrates the muscles and sometimes the bones. You may notice swelling in your fingers, and as the disease progresses, your fingers and toes may harden and take on a shiny appearance.

*There are more scleroderma rashes; read more about them here.

Scleroderma rashes can pop up anywhere on the body and even beneath the skin, all the way down to the bones. Some people will only experience superficial skin issues, and others may suffer from more widespread systemic ones. Each case is different.

When you go to the doctor, your medical professional may prescribe one or more skin treatments to combat the effects of scleroderma. There should also be ongoing monitoring with this condition to attempt to slow its progression and keep you comfortable.

5. Vasculitis

When someone has vasculitis, their blood vessels become inflamed and thicken as the condition worsens. As this occurs, the blood vessels slowly narrow, restricting blood flow. Over time, this damages various organs and tissues.

Here are a few types of rashes people with vasculitis get:

• Immune complex vasculitis rash. Purple or red and bumpy. The spots are caused by bleeding underneath the skin. Individuals may also experience lumps or open sores.
• Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis rash. Purple or red bruise-like rash that starts in the lower regions of the body but may spread throughout the body in severe cases.
• Cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis rash. Purple or brownish-red rash that’s very likely to spread. Sores, hives, and blisters are also possible.

Much of the time, rashes start on the ankles or other smaller body areas and then spread to the stomach and hands. Aside from the appearance of the rash, people experience itchiness and pain. And as the disease worsens, it can result in organ-related problems, which can be life-threatening.

Healthcare professionals treat vasculitis skin symptoms with prescription medications or recommend over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. Many autoimmune diseases respond to treatments like these. Other symptoms unrelated to the rash may be handled in alternative ways.

6. Pemphigus Vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris is a skin disorder where blisters develop on the skin and in the mucous membranes (mouth, throat, groin, etc). These blisters usually appear in the mouth at the start, but eventually spread to the rest of the body or the genital mucous membranes.

Sometimes, pemphigus vulgaris can be so painful that it can hamper your ability to communicate, eat, or drink (specifically when the blisters are in the mouth). Although the rashes you get with pemphigus vulgaris are painful, they aren’t usually itchy.

Because of the nature of this condition, you’ll need to seek medical attention from a dermatologist. They’ll review your medical history, examine your blisters, do a blood test, collect a sample for biopsy (sometimes), and develop a treatment plan unique to you.

Systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, and other medications are commonly prescribed.

7. Bullous Pemphigoid

If you’re over 60, you’re at an increased risk of getting bullous pemphigoid, an ultra-rare disease characterized by itchy blisters that usually have fluid inside. Those with bullous pemphigoid may notice itching before getting a full-blown rash.

With this condition, the rash will develop on the skin wherever it creases.

Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential, as bullous pemphigoid can be very dangerous. And the risk of possible complications (like infection) increases with age.

What’s interesting about this autoimmune condition is that it often resolves on its own within a few months to 5 years. But in the meantime, blister-healing treatments, corticosteroids, or nonsteroidal drugs may be used to control the condition.

8. Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes dry eyes and dry mouth. It’s often the result of other disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the most common symptoms include a dry cough, vaginal dryness, and more.

With Sjogren’s rashes, you can expect to see patches of dry, rough skin (called xerosis); this happens in approximately 50% of patients with Sjogren’s. Some people also experience dark, blotchy spots on their legs and feet or red, brown, or purple spots under the skin. This rash can affect the entire body.

Common complications associated with Sjögren’s include:

• Chronic pain;
• Vision problems, such as corneal damage and light sensitivity;
• Yeast infections in the mouth;
• Cavities from a lack of saliva.

Other less common complications include: 

• Inflammation in the liver, lungs, or kidneys;
• Lymph node cancer;
• Tingling, numbness, or burning in the feet or hands.

Work with your doctor to devise treatment options that’ll make you more comfortable and stave off the worst Sjogren’s disease complications.

If you’re dealing with an unexplained rash or are concerned about anything health-related, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare provider for advice.

For more information on rare disorders like the ones outlined above, visit the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadliest autoimmune disease?

Experts don’t agree on a single autoimmune disease that’s deadlier than all of the rest. But some of the most deadly autoimmune conditions include:

• Autoimmune myocarditis, where the heart muscle becomes inflamed;
• Lupus, in which the immune system attacks the body’s tissues;
• Vasculitis, where the immune system attacks blood vessels and causes inflammation;
• Myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes progressive muscle weakness;
• Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, an encephalitis-causing disorder;
• Multiple sclerosis, a breakdown of the protective covering of your nerves.

The answer will be different depending on the medical professional you ask.

Can neurological issues cause a rash?

Yes, neurological disorders can, and do, cause rashes. This happens with pemphigoid and shingles, among other conditions and is common. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about either neurological issues, rashes, or both.

What virus causes a rash all over the body?

There isn’t a single virus to blame for a rash covering the entire body. Many types of viral infections can lead to a full-body rash, including:

• Measles
• Rubella
• Chickenpox
• Roseola
• Erythema infectiosum
• Smallpox
• Viral hepatitis
• Acute human immunodeficiency virus infection syndrome
• And much more

Sources

• Lupus
• Lupus Rash
• Dermatomyositis
• How to Spot a Dermatomyositis Rash
• Psoriasis
• Understanding Psoriatic Disease
• Scleroderma
• Types of Scleroderma
• Vasculitis
• What to know about vasculitis rash
• Vasculitis Treatment
• Pemphigus
• Pemphigus: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
• Bullous Pemphigoid
• Bullous Pemphigoid Mayo Clinic
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Dermatologic manifestations of Sjögren syndrome
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

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