Discoid lupus erythematosus
| Discoid lupus erythematosus | |
|---|---|
| Other names | DLE, Discoid lupus |
| Discoid lupus erythematosus lesion on the head | |
| Specialty | Dermatology, Immunology |
Discoid lupus erythematosus is the most common type of chronic cutaneous lupus (CCLE), an autoimmune skin condition on the lupus erythematosus spectrum of illnesses.[1][2] It presents with red, painful, inflamed and coin-shaped patches of skin with a scaly and crusty appearance, most often on the scalp, cheeks, and ears. Hair loss may occur if the lesions are on the scalp.[3] The lesions can then develop severe scarring, and the centre areas may appear lighter in color with a rim darker than the normal skin.[3] These lesions can last for years without treatment.[4]
Patients with systemic lupus erythematous develop discoid lupus lesions with some frequency.[4] However, patients who present initially with discoid lupus infrequently develop systemic lupus.[3] Discoid lupus can be divided into localized, generalized, and childhood discoid lupus.[3]
The lesions are diagnosed by biopsy.[5] Patients are first treated with sunscreen and topical steroids.[5] If this does not work, an oral medication—most likely hydroxychloroquine or a related medication—can be tried.[5]
- ^ "Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus | American Skin Association". www.americanskin.org. Retrieved 2018-12-11.
- ^ Wollina, Uwe; Hansel, Gesina; Koch, André; Abdel-Naser, Mohamed Badawy (2006). "Topical pimecrolimus for skin disease other than atopic dermatitis". Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. 7 (14): 1967–1975. doi:10.1517/14656566.7.14.1967. PMID 17020422. S2CID 44901447.
- ^ a b c d James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.) Saunders. Chapter 8. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
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