Chicago: What Is 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, scalp and at times on other body areas. These lesions develop as an inflamed growth with, scaling and a warty like appearance. Discoid means coin-shaped, so these lesions are round and raised. They are also scaly. Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a severe form of skin inflammation which occurs particularly on sun-exposed skin. It can cause permanent scarring but this can be prevented by early treatment. You can be checked anonymously at a HIV testing centers in Chicago.


Discoid rash is a more prominent raised rash on the skin, usually in red scaly patches. Some with SLE experience mouth ulcers and other skin irritations as well.


Lupus can lead to arthritis, kidney failure, heart and lung inflammation, central nervous system abnormalities, inflammation of the blood vessels and blood disorders. Common symptoms of lupus include extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints, unexplained fever, and skin rashes.


Severe sickness usually results from the most serious forms of the disease. More often, quality of life is challenged by symptoms like fatigue and joint pains, which are not life threatening. Several unspecified topical therapies had been prescribed during this time although none had resulted in clinical improvement.
Disease manifestations result from recurrent vascular injury due to immune complex deposition, leukothrombosis, or thrombosis. Additionally, cytotoxic antibodies can mediate autoimmune hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, while antibodies to specific cellular antigens can disrupt cellular function. Disease activity was confirmed in all patients.


Skin rash -- a "butterfly" rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose affects about half of those with SLE. The rash gets worse when in sunlight. Skin biopsy shows hyperorthokeratosis, epidermal atrophy, hydropic degeneration of the basal cell layer, and lymphocytic infiltrate of the superficial dermis consistent with lupus.


Neonatal lupus syndrome may occur when an infant is born to a mother who has autoantibodies in her blood during the pregnancy. The baby may develop skin lesions, which usually resolve by six months. Neonatal lupus is highly associated with maternal anti-Ro (usually also with anti-La) antibodies, although the rash may occur with anti-RNP antibodies.


Inflammation causes swelling, pain, and tissue damage throughout the body. If you develop severe lupus, you may have problems with your kidneys, heart, lungs, nervous system, or blood cells



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