Complex Skin Conditions

Tuberous sclerosis (also called tuberous sclerosis complex) is an uncommon genetic disorder that causes noncancerous tumors — unexpected overgrowths of normal tissue — to develop in many parts of the body. The signs and symptoms, which vary widely from person to person, depend on where the growths develop and how severely a person is affected.

Pemphigus is a group of rare autoimmune diseases that create blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. It can affect the mouth, nose, throat, eyes, and genitals. The most common type of pemphigus is Pemphigus vulgaris.

Pemphigoid is a rare autoimmune disorder that usually affects the elderly, but can develop in young people as well. Individuals with pemphigoid have skin rashes and blistering on their legs, arms and abdomen.

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves. It is passed down through families, but it can also occur because of a mutation in genes. The resulting tumors usually are benign, but sometimes they can become cancerous.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. It can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, the brain and heart.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition that causes dimpled lumps to form under the skin. The lumps are formed where the skin rubs together, and they heal slowly, recurring frequently, and causing tunnels under the skin and scarring.

A rare inflammatory disease, dermatomyositis is marked by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash.