Discoid Lupus Erythematosus-Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is an autoimmune disease and a chronic skin disorder, in which a red skin rash appears on face, ears, and scalp or anywhere on the skin. This rash is raised and the areas with these rashes may become thick, scaly and may cause scarring. These lesions generally develop as a red, inflamed patch that appears as a crust. The center areas of these lesions appear scaly, lighter in color with the dark edge. These lesions lead to hair loss if they appear in hairy areas.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus is a milder form of lupus that affects the skin. Discoid lupus erythematosus is most common among women of the age 30 and above. Some people with discoid lupus erythematosus will develop only skin symptoms, whereas some also present the Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Discoid lupus Erythematosus may occur in people with systemic lupus erythematosus and some people with discoid lupus erythematosus may develop systemic lupus erythematosus. Very few people with discoid lupus erythematosus can develop the disease of internal organs.

Causes of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Though the exact cause of discoid lupus erythematosus is unknown, it is considered as an autoimmune disorder, which occurs when body’s immune system is misdirected against the body. In this the body’s immune system attacks and destroys its own tissues like white blood cells (Tlymphocyte). The injury to skin causes inflammation, which further results in lesions. These lesions may also be caused by mental stress, trauma, exposure to sun and cold. Exposure to sun may also be the cause for the outbreak of lesions. Cigarette smoking may also make the lesions come out.

Symptoms of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Symptoms of discoid lupus erythematosus may vary from person to person. Some of the symptoms of discoid lupus erythematosus include:

• Scaling
• Scarring
• Red, raised rash on the face
• Rash on bridge of nose
• Rash on ears
• Scalp rash
• Rash on cheeks
• Ear rash
• Limb rash
• Hair loss caused due to scalp rash

Treatment for Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Avoiding sun exposure by protective clothing is the primary treatment for discoid lupus erythematosus. Use of skin creams and skin screens can also be considered as a treatment of discoid lupus erythematosus. Use of steroid creams decreases the inflammation. Applications of cortisone ointment on the affected areas help to slow down the progression of the lesions. Cortisone injections are more effective than the ointments. These injections are injected into the lesions.

Antimalarial drugs like as Plaquenil also helps to improve the condition of lesions. Other drugs like Aralen, Accutane, Soriatane and Quinacrine are also used in treatment of discoid lupus erythematosus but they come with some side effects. The medications like Corticosteroids are used in topical therapy.

Besides the medications there are some of the alternative treatments for discoid lupus erythematosus like having a healthy diet that is high in fish and low in red meat and dairy products. Healthy diet helps to reduce inflammation and the dietary supplements like vitamin A, B, C, E and selenium improves the lesions. Tripterygium wilfordii, a Chinese herb helps in reduction and disappearance of skin rashes by suppressing immune function.