Autoimmune: Uncover hidden factors

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QUICK LINKS
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Autoimmune icon

In the UK, around
1 in 10 people are living
with an autoimmune
disorder 1

If you’re living with one of more than 80 autoimmune diseases, you’re part of a much larger community. 2 These long-term conditions can affect not just your body, but your mind and emotions too.
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WHAT ARE AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS

When your body fights the wrong things

Your immune system protects your body from sickness. But with an autoimmune condition, it
mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs instead.3

Symptoms vary based on the autoimmune disease, but may include:2
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Joint pain and swelling
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Photograph of person holding an achey knee. Text over image: Joint pain and swelling. Icon of painful joints in fingers.

Arthritis icon

Skin problems

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A photograph of a person applying cream on a rash on their hand. Text over image: Skin rash. Icon of a rash on a hand.

Dry skin icon

Fatigue

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Photograph of person sitting down and resting their head in the palm of their hand. Text over image: Fatigue. Icon of a low battery..

Fatigue battery icon

Fever

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Photograph of person laying in bed and holding an oral thermometer. Text over image: Fever. Icon of thermometer.

Thermometer icon

Organ dysfunction

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Photograph of person holding their hand over their heart. Text over image: Organ dysfunction. Icon of heart

Anatomical heart icon

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CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Autoimmune conditions have many causes

Autoimmune conditions can happen due to a combination of genetics
hormonal factors, and environmental influences.4 Scientists are studying
these factors to improve prevention and treatment.

Some people are more likely to get autoimmune conditions. This
includes those with a family history of autoimmune conditions2,
exposure to certain chemicals, females, and people who already
have one autoimmune condition.5
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AUTOIMMUNE CONDITION DIAGNOSIS

Different autoimmune conditions are treated by different specialists

Finding the right specialist can be hard. Talk to your doctor about which
type of specialists may be right for you.
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Immunologists6

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Specialise in conditions that impact the body’s immune system
Rheumatologist icon

Rheumatologists6

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Specialise in conditions that impact joints, muscles, and bones
Endocrinology icon

Endocrinologists6

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Specialise in conditions that impact the endocrine system (glands and hormones)
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Gastroenterologists6

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Specialise in conditions that impact the gastrointestinal tract and liver
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Dermatologists6

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Specialise in conditions impacting the skin, hair, and nail

References

  1. Conrad N, et al. Lancet. 2023; 401(10391):1878-1890.
  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. What are common symptoms of autoimmune disease? Baltimore (MD): Johns Hopkins Medicine; [accessed 13 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/what-are-common-symptoms-of-autoimmune-disease.
  3. NIH. Autoimmune Diseases. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; [accessed 8 April 2026]. Available from: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune.
  4. Kumar M, et al. Front Immunol. 2025; 16:1626082.
  5. Global Autoimmune Institute. 7 Risk Factors for Autoimmune Disease. MCLEAN (VA); [accessed 8 April 2026]. Available from: https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/7-ad-risk-factors/.
  6. Global Autoimmune Institute. Autoimmune Disease Specialist Spotlight. MCLEAN (VA); [accessed 8 April 2026]. Available from: https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/articles/autoimmune-disease-specialist-spotlight/.
CMAT-07469 May 2026
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