Lupus, an autoimmune disorder, is found in people in different forms. One type of lupus that commonly develops in people is discoid lupus that affects the skin. The causes of this condition are unknown, but researchers believe that this autoimmune disorder can be a result of a combination of different factors including environmental triggers, genetics, etc.
Discoid lupus gets this particular name from the coin-shaped lesions it creates on the skin. In severe cases, you might experience hair loss, hyperpigmentation, and permanent scarring.
Discoid lupus is different from systemic lupus that most commonly affects people. Systemic lupus can also lead to a mild skin rash that usually develops on the face. But this condition can also affect your other internal organs. A person suffering from systemic lupus might also develop discoid lesions.
The rash resulting from discoid lupus can be much severe than systemic lupus, however, this condition does not affect the internal organs.
Discoid Lupus Symptoms
Discoid lupus can create a lot of symptoms on your skin. Some of them include:
- Round lesions
- Blistering lesions
- Thick scales present on the skin and scalp
- Peeling
- Thinning of the skin
- Permanent scarring
- Thickening of the scalp
- Brittle or bent fingernails
- Patches of hair loss
- Darker or lighter skin pigmentation
- Ulcers inside the lips
Some people experience itching associated with discoid lupus, however, this is not common. The symptoms of discoid lupus might flare and then go into remission. This condition won’t affect your overall health.
Treatments For Discoid Lupus
A skin biopsy is usually used for diagnosing discoid lupus. Starting the treatment in the early stages can help to prevent the symptoms from becoming severe and developing permanent scarring. The following are some of the common treatment options available for discoid lupus:
Steroids: Steroids can be helpful to reduce inflammation. A steroid injection can be taken directly into the affected area or prescription-strength creams and ointments can be applied to the skin. But they can create some side effects like thinning of the skin.
Non-Steroidal Topical: Can be beneficial for reducing inflammation.
Anti-Malarial Medications: They can be also effective for relieving inflammation.
Immunosuppressive Medications: These medications can help to control the hyperactivity of the immune system.
So if you find coin-shaped lesions on the skin, it is important to consult your doctor for diagnosing whether you are suffering from this discoid lupus.
