The skin-specific autoimmune illness called discoid lupus erythematosus affects patients with certain genetic predispositions. It is a condition that mostly affects the skin on the face and has features like scarring, wasting, and severe photosensitivity. DLE causes sores or a rash on the hands and face. Sunlight exposure frequently makes the rash worse. Additionally observed are skin color changes and hair loss. The DLE skin lesions seem spherical and slightly elevated from the skin’s surface. Scales cover the lesions, which are initially crimson. Changes in color cause the scales to thicken.

Introduction:

The most prevalent type of persistent dermatological lupus erythematosus is discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). If treatment is not started in the early stages of the disease, it often heals with wounds, loss of hair, and pigmentary abnormalities. Initially appearing as red-purple macules, papules, or tiny plaques, classic DLE lesions quickly take on a hyperkeratotic appearance. A small percentage of DLE patients go on to acquire systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Only a small portion of SLE patients also have concurrent DLE. However, compared to classic DLE, generalized DLE is more typically linked to systemic involvement.

Causes:

The fact is that nobody is really sure what causes someone to get lupus, and it’s likely that this is a complex illness.  There is a hereditary predisposition; for instance, there is a one in twenty chance that a sibling will also be diagnosed with lupus if an individual has the disorder. If the same twins are involved, this chance rises to almost one in three.

There are discovered gene patterns that may increase a person’s susceptibility. Several medications, including confident antihypertensives, antifungal medications, and antibiotics, may function as a trigger for the onset of lupus or a condition linked to it. Viruses may also contribute to the onset of lupus.

Symptoms:

Each patient’s discoid lupus erythematosus symptoms are unique. Because the symptoms are frequently fairly ambiguous, clinicians frequently mistake them as signs of many different illnesses. It has the ability to assault a variety of bodily systems, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, joints, bones, and skin.

The disease typically targets a number of the patient’s systems. The symptoms of discoid lupus erythematosus might differ significantly from person to person depending on the systems that are affected. It is improbable that any two discoid lupus erythematosus cases will be alike. The following are the typical lupus symptoms in several body systems:

• A chronic fever exists. Even though the typical causes of fever are absent, the fever nevertheless exists. Frequently, it is a mild fever.
• Skin rash is a common occurrence, especially on the face. On the face, it frequently appears as a distinctive butterfly-shaped rash. About 30–60% of the patients who are affected have this rash. Hair loss and skin or mouth ulcers are possible side effects.
• Due to the skin’s high photosensitivity, exposure to the sun might result in rashes, breakouts, and itching in the exposed area.
• It frequently affects the joints and may develop arthritis. Patients frequently seek medical advice for their early symptoms, which are commonly joint pain and swelling. Small joints in the hands, wrists, and knees may be affected by arthritis. Asymmetrical arthritis indicates that it has no impact on the same joints on both sides. Frequently, the discomfort is considerably worse than the joint swelling.

Diagnosis:

Patients who exhibit common discoid lesions must be checked for discoid lupus erythematosus. DLE nearly always lacks antibodies against dsDNA. Since a biopsy cannot distinguish between DLE and SLE, it can rule out other diseases, such as lymphoma or sarcoidosis. A skin lesion’s active margin should be used for the biopsy. DLE can be treated early to avoid irreversible atrophy. Avoiding direct sunlight or UV light exposure is advised (use strong sunscreen when outside, for example).

The involution of tiny lesions is typically brought on by topical corticosteroid ointments or creams (especially for dry skin), which are not recommended to be used extensively or on the face since they promote skin atrophy. Plastic tape that has been flurandrenolide-coated can be used to cover resistant lesions.

Homeopathic Treatment:

Medical procedures can be utilized to enhance health as well as relieve and lessen related discomfort. Homeopathy can be used in conjunction with conventional medical therapies for lupus to help alleviate some of the condition’s symptoms, but it is not meant to serve as a substitute for them.

• Sulfur and Arsenicum Album: Those with discoid lupus erythematosus who experience a searing ache that is relieved by cold treatments should take the homeopathic medication sulfur. This homeopathic medication will be helpful for lupus patients who often become overheated and yearn for cold beverages. Those with Discoid lupus erythematosus, which is typified by a searing sensation in the cartilage that feels eased with warm treatments, may take the Arsenicum album. Those who will gain from this homeopathic remedy frequently experience anxiety and restlessness.
• Rhus Toxicodendron and Belladonna: Take Rhus Toxicodendron, a homeopathic medication, if you have Discoid lupus erythematosus symptoms that tend to get worse in cold weather and when you sit still for long periods of time during the day. People with lupus who respond well to this homeopathic treatment frequently experience joint stiffness that is relieved by warm treatments and modest activity. Before beginning such a treatment, speak with your doctor. Belladonna is recommended for those with Discoid lupus erythematosus who experience reddening of the bones and a burning-like discomfort. This homeopathic treatment is typically effective for people with joint discomfort that gets worse with movement.

Precautions:

• Get enough rest.
• Steer clear of the sun.
• Engage in yoga and stress-reduction exercises.
• Discoid lupus erythematosus awareness and self-care instruction.
• An annual eye exam.
• Steer clear of the sun.
• Engage in consistent, moderate exercise.
• When going outside, wear protective clothing and a helmet.
• Avoid contact with those who have known infections.
• Give up smoking.
• Avoid alcohol.