Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation and scarring type skin lesions, which occur on the face, ears, and scalp and, at times, on other body areas. A small percentage of patients with discoid lupus can develop Systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that can eventually prove to be fatal.

DLE is more common in women than in men and tends to affect young adults (aged 20 to 50). It can be provoked by sunlight but it is actually more common in dark skinned than in fair skinned people.

Skin rashes and sun sensitivity are the basic symptoms associated with DLE. Plaques (red, raised skin lesions) with the following characteristics are the most commonly seen symptoms: plaques are 1cm to 4cm in diameter and have clearly defined borders. They may appear anywhere on the face, but the cheeks and jaw line are the most common sites. Some people describe them as "butterfly" lesions; when two lesions of unequal size appear on both sides of the nose. These lesions develop as an inflamed growth with, scaling and a warty-like appearance. The center areas may appear lighter in color surrounded by an area darker than the normal skin. When lesions occur in hairy areas, such as the scalp, permanent scarring and hair loss can occur. DLE is said to cause patchy, bald areas on the scalp and hypo-pigmentation or hyper-pigmentation in older lesions. Lesions scar as they heal.

Prevention comes in the form of avoiding sunlight and the other individual specific causes that may trigger inflammations. Sun protection can do a lot to prevent the development of lupus skin lesions and people with the condition should avoid prolonged periods of exposure to sunlight. In recent years, research has shown that ultraviolet light of long wavelengths affects lupus patients adversely, increasing the lesions. Sunscreens capable of blocking this long wave ultraviolet light are now available. A sun protective factor rating of SPF 15 will provide adequate protection. In contrast to ordinary sunscreens, which generally contain paraminobenzoic acid (PABA) esters and benzophones, these sunscreens are actually sun blocks and contain titanium oxide. Avoiding fluorescent lights is also imperative as they emit harmful UV rays.

The cause of lupus is unknown and, as yet, there is no cure. There may be a hereditary factor that makes certain individuals more prone to develop the disease. There is a definite link between lupus and certain hormones, proven by the disease's preference for women of childbearing age, but the relationship is not completely understood. Some external factors such as certain medications, viruses, sun exposure, prolonged and severe stress, as well as some unknown environmental factors, are thought to trigger the onset of the disease. At present, research indicates that discoid lupus lesions are the result of an inflammatory process in the skin in which the patients' lymphocytes (predominantly T cells) play a major role. However, research scientists still have a long way to go in understanding the causes of the disease.

If your doctor suspects that you have this condition, a skin biopsy needs to be done to confirm the diagnosis, because other conditions can look like discoid lupus erythematosus as well. If the skin biopsy shows discoid lupus erythematosus, then further blood testing may be indicated.

A healthy low fat diet helps the patient besides eliminating fatty or fried foods alcohol and red meats. Drinking water is also helpful as with all conditions related to the skin.

Exercise is important to keep circulation healthy -body wastes are released and this helps the skin a lot.

Relaxation techniques can help the patient and many therapies are available hat help the patient take his mind off the disease. It is vital that these techniques are followed so that the patient can recover.