TLDR Early diagnosis and treatment of discoid lupus erythematosus improve outcomes.
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic skin disease that can cause scarring, hair loss, and hyperpigmentation if not treated early. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes, typically made through clinical examination and sometimes confirmed with histopathology. Effective treatment options include photoprotective measures, potent topical steroids, and antimalarials. For cases resistant to standard therapy, alternatives like retinoids, thalidomide, topical tacrolimus, and immunosuppressives (azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate) are available.
30 citations,
September 2005 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology” The document concludes that treating tough skin disease in lupus involves sun protection, steroids, antimalarials, and various other therapies chosen based on individual risks and benefits.
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18 citations,
March 2004 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Lupus can cause hair loss and nail changes, with treatments available for both.
5 citations,
July 2013 in “Our Dermatology Online” Lichen planopilaris is the most common type of scarring hair loss observed, with a variety of symptoms and tissue changes.
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January 2012 in “Springer eBooks” Lupus can cause different skin problems, and treatments like quitting smoking and using certain creams or medicines can help.
44 citations,
August 2010 in “Lupus” Lupus can affect the scalp and nails, often causing hair loss and nail damage, and needs early aggressive treatment to prevent permanent damage.
2 citations,
July 2013 in “InTech eBooks” Scalp biopsy helps tell apart permanent and temporary hair loss types and guides treatment.
157 citations,
August 2010 in “Lupus” The document concludes that recognizing and treating cutaneous lupus erythematosus early is crucial for managing the skin and potential systemic symptoms.
