Disseminated lupus erythematosus
Disseminated Lupus Erythematosus
Disseminated lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin, but can also have systemic manifestations. It is a form of lupus erythematosus, which is a broader term encompassing several related conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
DLE is characterized by the immune system attacking the body's own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. The exact cause of DLE is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. The immune system's production of autoantibodies plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Clinical Features[edit | edit source]
Patients with disseminated lupus erythematosus often present with skin lesions that are red, scaly, and may lead to scarring. These lesions are typically found on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and scalp. Unlike discoid lupus erythematosus, which is limited to the skin, DLE can have systemic involvement, although it is less common than in SLE.
Skin Manifestations[edit | edit source]
- Erythematous plaques - Scaling - Scarring - Photosensitivity
Systemic Manifestations[edit | edit source]
While primarily a cutaneous condition, DLE can occasionally affect other organs, leading to symptoms such as: - Fatigue - Joint pain - Fever
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The diagnosis of disseminated lupus erythematosus is based on clinical examination, laboratory tests, and sometimes a skin biopsy. Laboratory tests may reveal the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and other specific autoantibodies. A skin biopsy can show characteristic histological features such as interface dermatitis and follicular plugging.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of DLE focuses on managing symptoms and preventing flares. Common treatments include: - Topical corticosteroids - Antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine - Sun protection measures - Systemic immunosuppressants in severe cases
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for patients with disseminated lupus erythematosus varies. While the condition can be chronic and relapsing, many patients achieve good control of symptoms with appropriate treatment. However, scarring from skin lesions can be permanent.
Also see[edit | edit source]
- Systemic lupus erythematosus - Discoid lupus erythematosus - Autoimmune diseases - Antinuclear antibody
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
