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Discoid Lupus Erythematosus |
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Discoid Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic recurring medical condition characterized b red patch on the person’s skin, clearly defined rounds. The cause of this type of lupus is not known. The disease is more common in women, most frequently females in their 30s. The range of this age is significantly wider than the ranges for systemic lupus erythematosus. The specific rashes can persist or can come and go for years. The appearance of the patch changes over time. At first, they are round and red, approx. size of a pencil eraser. Commonly, they progress on the nose bridge, cheeks, ears, and scalp, but they may also appear on the back of the arm, upper trunk, and shins. Sores in the mouth are common. If discoid lupus erythematosus is not treated, patches gradually spread outward. The central part degenerates, causing scarring. In certain scaly areas, the plugged hair follicle dilates, causing pit shaped like carpet tack. Scars may result in widespread loss of hair. The rash can be accompanied by more serious symptoms of this disorder. The diagnosis of discoid lupus erythematosus is not easy to determine because rashes can be similar to the systemic lupus erythrematosus and identical to rashes resulted from such diseases as dermatitis, rosaceas, sarcoidosis, and lymphoma. A physician asks patients, what medical conditions they have and performs full examinations to be sure there are no other organs affected. Blood tests to measure the count of white and red blood cells, and evaluate function of the kidneys may help a physician exclude other possible diseases. Other laboratory tests may be done to check for antibody to double-stranded DNA, which are discovered in many individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus, but none with discoid lupus erythematosus. Treatment in early stages of the disorder, may reduce or prevent the progression of permanent scarring. Ultraviolet light and sunlight can worsen the rashes and must be avoided. Sunscreen may be used to prevent the rash worsening. Small patch of rashes may commonly be cured successfully with corticosteroid creams. More resistant, larger rashes frequently need several months of treatment with corticosteroid taken by mouth or with immunosuppressive medications.
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| Category |
Disease Conditions > D
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| Related Searches |
discoid lupus pictures, discoid cutaneous lupus |
| Date Submitted |
06-Nov-2005
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