As researchers and educators for the University of Minnesota Medical School, our dermatologists bring in-depth knowledge to their clinical practice.

Patients may benefit from participating in ongoing studies of new drugs, devices, and therapies. Our dermatologists have access to clinical trials involving disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, itching, skin cancer, cutaneous T cell lymphoma, and alopecia.

For complex conditions, our dermatologists work with specialists in many areas, such as genetics, blood disorders, interventional radiology, cardiology, neonatology, cancer, and plastic surgery. 

Many dermatological issues arise from arthritis and other autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune diseases result when our immune system, which is our body’s natural defense against infection, mistakenly target healthy tissues in our body. Autoimmune disorders are not contagious but can be serious and may require prescription anti-inflammatory medication to control.
 

Our dermatology providers see patients with autoimmune conditions such as:
 

• Lupus. Patients with lupus often have sun-sensitive rashes, joint paint, and fatigue. In severe cases, lupus can affect organs inside the body.
• Dermatomyositis. Patients with dermatomyositis also have sun-sensitive rashes and some may have muscle weakness, muscle pain, or breathing problems.
• Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Patients with systemic sclerosis have gradual hardening of the skin that starts in the fingers, and may have lung or kidney problems.

Our dermatology providers also treat other autoimmune conditions that affect the skin, such as morphea, vasculitis, pemphigus, and pemphigoid.