TabletWise.com
 

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

A chronic, autoimmune skin condition that manifests with a red, scaling rash, most often found on the face, ears, and scalp; these lesions often lead to permanent scarring and dyspigmentation. Patients may have lesions with or without other symptoms or antibodies suggestive of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Symptoms of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

The following features are indicative of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus:
  • facial rash
  • fatigue
  • fever
  • joint pain
  • joint stiffness
  • swelling
  • photosensitivity
  • Raynaud's phenomenon
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • dry eyes
  • confusion
  • memory loss
  • headache
It is possible that Discoid Lupus Erythematosus shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

Get TabletWise Pro

Thousands of Classes to Help You Become a Better You.

Common Causes of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

The following are the most common causes of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus:
  • genetic factors
  • environmental factors
  • hormonal factors
  • exposure to the sun
  • infections
  • medications

Risk Factors for Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus:
  • woman
  • old age

Prevention of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

No, it is not possible to prevent Discoid Lupus Erythematosus.
  • autoimmune disease
  • unknown cause

Occurrence of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 15-60 years

Common Gender

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Discoid Lupus Erythematosus:
  • Complete blood count: To calculate the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets as well as the amount of hemoglobin
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: To assess the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube in an hour
  • Kidney and liver assessment: To evaluate how well kidneys and liver are functioning
  • Urinalysis: To determine the increased protein level or red blood cells in the urine
  • Antinuclear antibody test: To detect the presence of the antibodies
  • Chest X-ray: To view the image of chest
  • Echocardiogram: To determine the problems with valves and other portions of heart
  • Biopsy: To evaluate the best treatment for lupus

Doctor for Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus:
  • Primary care provider
  • Rheumatologist
  • Clinical immunologist
  • Nephrologist
  • Hematologist
  • Dermatologist
  • Neurologist
  • Cardiologist
  • Endocrinologist
  • Psychologist

Complications of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus if untreated

Yes, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Discoid Lupus Erythematosus is left untreated:
  • kidney damage
  • memory problems
  • blood problems
  • pleurisy
  • pericarditis
  • cancer
  • avascular necrosis
  • pregnancy complications

Self-care for Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus:
  • Be sun smart: Avoid sun exposure
  • See doctor regularly: Having regular checkups may help doctor in preventing flare-ups
  • Get adequate rest: Relieves the persistent fatigue
  • Get regular exercise: Lowers the risk of heart attack and promote general well-being
  • Don't smoke: Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Eat a healthy diet: Prevents the lupus flares

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus:
  • Fish oil supplements: Beneficial for people with lupus
  • Supplemental vitamin D: Beneficial for people with lupus
  • Supplements containing dehydroepiandrosterone hormone: Effective for people with lupus

Patient Support for Treatment of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

The following actions may help Discoid Lupus Erythematosus patients:
  • Learn about lupus: Makes patient more confident thus helps in treatment choices
  • Gather support among friends and family: Helps out when having flares
  • Take time: Cope with stress in life makes feel calm
  • Connect with others who have lupus: By joining support groups helps in facing many of the same obstacles and frustrations that you're facing with lupus

Time for Treatment of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Discoid Lupus Erythematosus to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Discoid Lupus Erythematosus.

Sign Up



Share

Share with friends, get 20% off
Invite your friends to TabletWise learning marketplace. For each purchase they make, you get 20% off (upto $10) on your next purchase.