What is Discoid Lupus? This is a condition that affects
a certain area of the skin in a small area or in circular lesions widespread.
This is a chronic condition that affects the immune system. It actually fights
against the body itself, attacking healthy cells, making lesions on the skin.
These lesions can be aggravated when exposed to the sun. The skin lesions
usually appear in areas that are exposed to the sunlight, such as the neck,
arms and face. But there are some patients who have the lesions on their
backs, legs and chest.
Patients that are diagnosed with discoid lupus skin
disorders which is systemic lupus can also develop other diseases, which are
tuberculosis, pneumonia, cardiovascular diseases and digestive disorders as
well as diseases of the nervous system.
Discoid lupus is found most commonly in women of the ages
18 to 50. This disease is rarely found in men, but typically found in African
American women, who will exhibit the most severe and intense symptoms. The
causes of discoid lupus has not been discovered yet, but there are some
suspected factors that may be triggering this condition. These factors are
genetics, hormonal factors, and the environment. There seems to be a
pronounced character of heredity involved, with the most cases being seen in
families with a history of this disease.
In order to diagnose discoid lupus, there will be a
physical examination, an analysis run on samples of the skin. If the tests
show disorders of the immune system, and that the skin lesions are related to
discoid lupus, then the patient will be put on the proper medical treatment.
This disorder does not have a cure, abut it can be treated with the proper
medications and improve the symptoms. Any patient diagnosed with discoid
lupus, needs to avoid the sun because this will cause the skin lesions to
worsen and may even cause some permanent scarring.
This skin condition may also affect the scalp, causing
scaling and crusting. There may even be some temporary or permanent hair
loss. African American women are the ones that are at the highest risk of
developing skin cancer and should be cautious when in the sun, to make sure to
avoid any burning. Medical treatments and avoiding the sun can keep this
disorder under control.
