Skip to main content
Log in

A case of generalized discoid lupus erythematosus: Successful treatment with Imiquimod cream 5%

  • Published:
Advances in Therapy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common form of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Classic DLE lesions begin as red-purple macules, papules, or small plaques and rapidly develop a hyperkeratotic surface. Most patients with untreated classic DLE lesions suffer indolent progression to large areas of cutaneous dystrophy and scarring alopecia that can be psychosocially devastating. A 44-year-old male patient presented to the clinic with erythematous scaly patches that began on his nose 1 y before. His face was most affected, however, lesions were also noted on his scalp, ears, and limbs. Histopathologic examination verified a diagnosis of DLE. Laboratory examinations and consultations revealed no signs of systemic involvement. Imiquimod cream 5% was applied to the lesions once a day 3 times a week. After 20 applications, entire lesions regressed significantly. Imiquimod cream 5% may represent an alternative treatment method for patients with DLE.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Gerdsen R, Wenzel J, Uerlich M, Bieber T, Petrow W. Successful treatment of chronic discoid lupus erythematosus of the scalp with imiquimod.Dermatology. 2002; 205: 416–418.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Kuhn A, Becker-Wegerich PM, Ruzicka T, Lehmann P. Successful treatment of discoid lupus erythematosus with argon laser.Dermatology. 2000; 201: 175–177.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Molin L, Tarstedt M. Discoid lupus erythematosus treated with cryotherapy.J Dermatol Treat. 2003; 14: 182–183.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Alfadley A, Rayes HA, Hussein W, Dalan AA, Al-Aboud K. Thalidomide for treatment of severe generalized discoid lupus lesions in two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003; 48: 89–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Carrilo DR, Christensen OB. Treatment of chronic discoid lupus erythematosus with topical tacrolimus.Acta Derm Venereol. 2004; 84: 233–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Sauder DN. Immunomodulatory and pharmacologic properties of imiquimod.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000; 43: 6–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Slade HB, Owens ML, Tomai MA, Miller RL. Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara).Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 1998; 7: 437–449.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Spaner DE, Miller RL, Mena J, Grossman L, Sorrenti V, Shi Y. Regression of lymphomatous skin deposits in a chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient treated with the Toll-like receptor-7/8 agonist, imiquimod.Leuk Lymphoma. 1995; 46: 935–939.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. McInturff JE, Modlin RL, Kim J. The role of toll-like receptors in the pathogenesis and treatment of dermatological disease.J Invest Dermatol. 2005; 125: 1–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Gupta AK, Cherman AM, Tyring SK. Viral and nonviral uses of imiquimod: a review.J Cutan Med Surg. 2005 [Epub ahead of print].

  11. Flórez A, Feal C, Torre C, Cruces M. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma treated with imiquimod 5% cream.Acta Derm Venereol. 2004; 84: 227–255.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Harrison S, Sinclair R. Porokeratosis of Mibelli: successful treatment with topical 5% imiquimod cream.Australas J Dermatol. 2003; 44: 281–283.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Mackenzie-Wood A, Kossard S, Launey J, Wilkinson B, Owens ML. Imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of Bowen’s disease.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001; 44: 462–470.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Nicolas JF, Thivolet J, Kanitakis J, Lyonnet S. Response of discoid and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus to recombinant interferon alpha 2a.J Invest Dermatol. 1990; 95(6 suppl): 142–145.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Martinez J, de Misa RF, Boixeda P, Arrazola JM, Ledo A. Long-term results of intralesional interferon alpha-2B in discoid lupus erythematosus.J Dermatol. 1993; 20: 444–446.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Mori M, Pimpinelli N, Romagnoli P, Bernacchi E, Fabbri P, Giannotti B. Dendritic cells in cutaneous lupus erythematosus: a clue to the pathogenesis of lesions.Histopathology. 1994; 24: 311–321.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Gül, Ü., Gönül, M., Çakmak, S.K. et al. A case of generalized discoid lupus erythematosus: Successful treatment with Imiquimod cream 5%. Adv Therapy 23, 787–792 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02850319

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02850319

Keywords

Navigation