Discoid Lupus erythematous

 What is Discoid lupus erythematosus?

• Lupus erythematosus is a multisystem disorder in which condition of skin alters that predominately affects the skin. There are many types of cutaneous lupus. The main types of lupus erythematosus include acute cutaneous lupus (ACLE), sub-acute cutaneous lupus (SCLE), and discoid lupus (DLE)
• DLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin. In Discoid lupus erythematosus lesions are coin-shaped due to which it is named as discoid lupus erythematosus .
• In discoid lupus erythematous severe rash occur which gets worse when exposed to sunlight. The rash can occur anywhere on the body, but mainly seen on the scalp, neck, hands, and feet. Severe cases can lead to permanent scarring, hyperpigmentation and hair loss.
• Discoid lupus is a skin condition that is different from systemic lupus. In systemic lupus mild rash occurs, mostly seen on the face. Main difference is that systemic lupus affects the internal organs but Discoid lupus doesn’t affect internal organs, but the rash appears in discoid lupus is much more severe. Discoid lesions are sometimes seen in patient of systemic lupus. 

Symptoms in Discoid lupus erythematosus

Skin rash may vary from a mild pink patch to raw red skin. Rash can appear anywhere on your body, mainly noticed on the neck, palms, soles, and the area under your elbows. Sometimes it may affect the ear canal.

• Blistering lesion especially around the elbows and fingertips
• Thick lesion on the skin and scalp
• Round lesion
• Thinning of the skin
• Lighter or darker pigmentation, which can be prominent
• Thickening of scalp
• Patches of hair loss
• Brittle fingernails
• Ulcer inside the lips
• Permanent scarring

Special features of some lesions

Scalp lesions

When discoid lupus occurs on the scalp, it may be red flat or raised area of scalp , after that hair loss and  extensive scarring develops . The lesions often lose skin pigment and become white with areas of increase pigmentation of the skin , with or without areas of redness, and have a sunken appearance. 

Lip lesions

A grey or red colored thick top layer of skin is noticed when discoid lupus is on the lip.  Erosion of the top layer of lips and surrounding area occur.

Cause of discoid lupus erythematosus

• The exact cause of discoid lupus is not known. It is an autoimmune disease.  
• Genetic factors also play a role as causative factor for discoid lupus erythematosus. 
• Factors that may affect or worse this condition  include stress, infection, and trauma.
• Environmental factors may trigger the condition.
• It is not a contagious disease so it does not pass from person to person.

Who gets discoid lupus erythematosus?

Discoid lupus can occur in any age . But this condition is rare in  children. Women are at high risk especially at the age of 20-40y

Diagnosis of lupus erythematosus

• Diagnosis of  discoid lupus can be done by history taking and by clinical examination
• Tests are done to check anti-nuclear antibodies in the patient’s serum, low white blood cell levels, and protein and/or blood in the urine.
• Skin biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment option may include

• Steroids

Steroids are mainly used to reduce inflammation. Topical use of steroids is done in the form of ointments or creams to treat inflammation .In severe cases steroid injection are prescribed directly into the affected area. 

• Non-steroidal topical

Non-steroidal topical creams and ointments, such as calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus, are also used to  reduce inflammation.

• Anti-malarial medications

Anti-malarial medications are also very effective in reducing inflammation. These oral drugs include hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, and quinacrine. They have fewer side effects than some other drugs.

• Immunosuppressive medications

Immunosuppressive medications are helpful to lower down the   production of inflammatory cells. These are used in severe cases. Some of these drugs are methotrexate , mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine. 

Other tips to treat the condition

Other things you can do:

• Avoid the sun. Avoid the exposure to the sun light that will protect you to worsening the condition. You should take vitamin D supplements to fulfill the requirement. 
• Always apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
• Proper clothing should be done that can protects your skin.
• Quit smoking, as it can aggravate your condition. 
• For scarring and pigment changes, laser technology, filler and plastic surgery are the options that may be used to improve the condition. Complications in discoid lupus 
• Repeated occurrence of discoid lupus can be the reason of permanent scars or discoloration. Hair fall can occur due to patches that develop on the scalp. 
• This condition increases the risk of skin cancer due to long-lasting lesions on your skin or inside your lips and mouth.
• About 5% of people can develop systemic lupus sometimes. Systemic lupus can also affect your internal organs.

Ayurvedic concept of discoid lupus erythematosus

• According to Ayurveda, diseases will occur when there is vitiation of  three dosha  i.e. vata, pitta, kapha occur  in the body. These vitiated doshas affect the dhatu of the body resulting in manifestation of the disease. 
• When patient come in contact with the etiological factors there is vitiation of vata, pitta and rakta. 
• Due to Vitiated vata symptoms like joint pain, pain in legs, blackish discoloration is produced. 
• Dye to pitta dosha  fever and burning sensation are seen .
• Vitiated rakta was produce symptoms like skin rashes and redness of skin over feet. 

Ayurvedic Management

• Ayurvedic management is done with combination of medications, procedures, dietary and life style modifications.
• Chandigarh Ayurveda Centre provides the complete treatment of lupus erythematosus . Medications that are made to  treat the conditions are made up of pure herbs to give effective results of Ayurvedic treatment. 

Medications include

• Curcumin Capsules
• Detox Premium Powder
• Pain O Kill Tablet
• Rasayan Vati
• Twak Tailam
• Nerve Up

For detailed prescription visit our website

https://www.chandigarhayurvedcentre.com/product/sle-care-kit/