DISCOID LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS


DISCOID LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS        
   
Essentials of Diagnosis
                     On face there will be localised red plaques.
                     Scaling and follicular plugging.
                     Dyspigmentation.
                     Arms are mostly involved.
                     Permanent hair loss and loss of pigmentation.
                     Lesions may be covered by dry, horny adherent scales.

Treatment
o   Protect body from sun light
o   Use sun blocker with high SPF > 30
o   High potency corticoid creams to be applied each night
o   Chloroquine sulfate 250 mg daily may be effective
o   Thalidomide is a potent teratogen but is very effective in refractory cases
o   Disease is persistent but life does not remain in danger.