Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a form oflupusthat mainly affects your skin.
Discoid lupus is anautoimmune diseasewhere the immune system attacks the skin.
These lesions can be crusty and scaling, and they often scar.
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If lesions and scarring are on your scalp, hair regrowth may be impossible in those areas.
Discoid lupus is thought to result from a combination of genetic factors, environmental factorsespecially sun exposureand hormonal factors.
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Although discoid lupus is more benign than systemic lupus, skin symptoms tend to be more severe in DLE.
It’s possible for discoid lupus to spread to your internal organs, although this is rare.
Once the disease moves to internal organs, it becomes SLE.
About 1% to 5% of discoid lupus patients go on to develop SLE.
If that’s ruled out, a skin biopsy may be used to diagnose discoid lupus.
When discoid lupus is treated early and effectively, skin lesions can clear up completely.
Without effective treatment, permanent scarring may result.
Smoking is also associated with discoid lupus, so quitting smoking should be a priority for you.
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