Dermatology >>>> Discoid lupus erythematosus - signs and treatment

Discoid lupus erythematosus - signs and treatment.

Lupus erythematosus is a disease of allergic and autoimmune origin. There are several forms of the disease (discoid, disseminated, systemic). Discoid lupus erythematosus is the mildest form of the course of the disease, but with a certain presence of pathological factors, it can turn into a more complex form - systemic lupus erythematosus.

The causes of discoid lupus erythematosus still do not have refined evidence of its origin, but almost all scientists agree that this is a polyetiologic disease that has infectious, immunological, endocrine factors in the onset of pathology in its etiology. Long-term observation and analysis of the health status of patients with discoid lupus erythematosus indicates a viral, bacterial component in provoking processes of changing the state of epidermal cells, immunological studies allow observing a large amount of gamma globulins in the patient's blood.

An external traumatic effect of temperatures and sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) is also considered a provoking factor. Frostbite and simple freezing can activate pathological processes in skin cells and lead to the development of the disease. Vaccination can trigger the onset of the disease.

Signs of discoid lupus erythematosus:

single or loose red - pink spots, clearly outlined with swelling;
the formation of scales on the surface of the inflamed focus, followed by its compaction;
when trying to detach the scale, on its back surface there is a spinousness - these are the imprints of the follicle orifice;
under the detached scales, the skin is thinned, easily wrinkled and resembles an orange peel;
there are spots - foci in the area of the nose and cheeks (with systemic lupus erythematosus, the process can spread to all areas of the skin).

Treatment of discoid lupus erythematosus begins with the elimination of irritating factors (low temperatures, ultraviolet radiation - solar or artificial). Scrapings are carried out to study and identify pathogenic microorganisms, then tests are carried out for the resistance of microflora to antimicrobial drugs. Be sure to correct the work of the endocrine system, hormones, the work of the endocrine glands. In the treatment with antibacterial drugs, it is forbidden to use sulfonamides and their derivatives, since their negative effect on the course of the disease has been noticed, anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids) and healing ointments and pastes (zinc, based on lanolin) are used externally. Anti-UV creams are used to protect the skin.

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic recurrent disease. For this reason, the goal of successful treatment is to lengthen the remission period.