1. When Your Immune System Runs Amok
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the immune system. Lupus is a consequence of your immune system running amok and attacking itself. Although the exact cause of lupus remains unknown, some types of lupus can be caused by drugs to control high blood pressure or irregular heart rhythms, antibiotics and hormones. Most cases of drug-induced lupus disappear when the drug is discontinued. Other causes of lupus are believed to be infections, stress, ultraviolet light and a family history of lupus.
2. When Lupus is Only Skin Deep
Discoid lupus is generally a mild form of lupus that affects only the skin. The symptoms of discoid lupus include a red rash usually on the scalp, neck or face that doesn't go away. The term "discoid" means coin shaped, although skin lesions can be any shape and occur on any part of the body, especially areas exposed to the sun. The lesion may start off as a red bump or patch of redness that is slightly itchy; the center of the lesion eventually becomes white and scarred. The lesions may resemble a wart or become scaly but the lesions are not painful. A skin biopsy helps diagnose discoid lupus. Most people with discoid lupus do not develop systemic lupus.
3. Can Discoid Lupus Get Under Your Skin?
Systemic lupus can affect internal organs and cause complications more severe than discoid lupus. Systemic lupus can range from a mild case to being severe or even fatal, affecting the brain, heart and kidneys. A small percentage of discoid lupus patients (10%) will develop systemic lupus. To reduce any complications of systemic lupus, it's important to get an early diagnosis and treatment with regular follow-ups. Fortunately, most cases of discoid lupus never turn into systemic lupus.
4. Gold and Cold
Flare-ups of lupus can be brought on by exposure to sunlight, sources of ultraviolet light, temperature extremes of hot and cold weather, stress and illness. Trauma or injury to the lesions can also worsen discoid lupus. Treatments for discoid lupus start with a cortisone based cream followed by cortisone injected into the lesion if the cream doesn't work. Oral medications such as acitretin or gold may be prescribed, and anti-malarial drugs are prescribed for more severe cases of discoid lupus.
5. Cool Hats and Camouflage
Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to avoid flare-ups of discoid lupus. Avoid exposure to sunlight and wear long sleeves and long pants to protect your skin. Wear a large brimmed hat to protect your scalp, face and neck from the sun. Use sunscreen with UVA and UVB blockers for the most skin protection. Don't hide at home--use special cosmetics like Dermablend or Covermark to camouflage lesions and feel more comfortable about going out in public.
