PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Panjwani, Suresh
TI  - Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
AID  - 10.3122/jabfm.2009.02.080075
DP  - 2009 Mar 01
TA  - The Journal of the American Board of Family
                Medicine
PG  - 206--213
VI  - 22
IP  - 2
4099  - http://www.jabfm.org/content/22/2/206.short
4100  - http://www.jabfm.org/content/22/2/206.full
SO  - J Am Board Fam Med2009 Mar 01; 22
AB  - Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic dermatological disease that can lead to scarring, hair loss, and hyperpigmentation changes in skin if it is not treated early and promptly. It has a prolonged course and can have a considerable effect on quality of life. Early recognition and treatment improves the prognosis. The diagnosis is usually made by clinical examination. In some cases histopathology may be required to confirm the diagnosis. The histology is that of an inflammatory interface dermatosis. There is insufficient evidence for which treatment is most effective. Because lesions are induced or exacerbated by ultraviolet exposure, photoprotective measures are important. Potent topical steroids and antimalarials are the mainstay of treatment. Some cases of discoid lupus erythematosus can be refractory to standard therapy; in these cases retinoids, thalidomide, and topical tacrolimus offer alternatives, as do immunosuppressives like azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and methotrexate.