It is a chronic skin condition which is characterized by inflammation and scarring type skin lesions which occur on the ears, face, scalp and at times on the other areas of the body. The lesions develop as an inflamed growth with scaling and warty like appearance. The central area appears lighter in color and is surrounded by an area darker as compared to the normal skin. If the lesions occur in hairy areas they cause permanent scarring and it may also result in hair loss. A small number of patients with discoid lupus develop disease of the internal organs which results in the person falling sick. This disease is more common in African Americans as compared to whites or Asians. A skin biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis of this condition and if the skin biopsy confirms it then further testing of blood is required.

Cause

The exact cause of this condition is not known and it is believed to be autoimmune with the body’s immune system incorrectly attacking normal skin. This condition is genetic and females are more prone to suffer from this condition as compared to males. In some cases, cigarette smoking and sunlight may cause the lesions to come out.

Symptoms

The symptoms of discoid lupus erythematosus include characteristic skin lesions which are circular and raised. The rashes are around five to ten mm in diameter with the center being scaly and lighter in color as compared to the darker outer ring. The patient rarely experiences any itching or pain with the lesions. They appear on the arm, back, chest, ears, face, neck and scalp. When this condition heals it leaves thickened, scared areas of the skin. In cases where the scalp is severely affected it results in alopecia. People suffering from this condition are quite sensitive to sun and they are more likely to get sunburns.

Treatment

Application of cortisone ointment to the skin often improves the lesions and slows down their progress but cortisone injections are found out to be more effective in treating this condition. If the lesions become unsightly a drug named Plaquenil can be taken which improves the condition but patients taking this drug are required to get their eyes examined once a year to prevent damage to the retina of the eye. Visiting the doctor is necessary every six months to one year in order to make sure that the disease does not spread to the internal organs and to minimize scars.