A Case Report of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus Mimicking Skin Infection

This case report details a 38-year-old woman with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) that was initially misdiagnosed as a skin infection, leading to ineffective treatments. The patient exhibited erythematous plaques and pustules, which were later confirmed as DLE through a skin biopsy. Treatment with methylprednisolone and topical corticosteroids led to significant improvement. The report emphasizes the diagnostic challenges of DLE due to its atypical presentation and the importance of accurate diagnosis to prevent complications. Additionally, the patient experienced worsening skin conditions and was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and tuberculosis, showing improvement with antituberculosis treatment. The case highlights the need for monitoring systemic symptoms and serological markers in DLE patients to prevent complications.