Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: Causes, Symptoms, and Methods of Treatment

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a rather rare autoimmune disease, to which the female representatives are mainly exposed. Statistics show that for 1000 women only 3-8 suffer from this disease. What is the reason for its appearance and what are the main symptoms?

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: Causes

In fact, the causes of the development of such a disease are unknown. It should be noted that it is associated with a malfunction of the immune system, resulting in the release of specific antibodies to the blood that damage the body's own cells.

Specialists managed to prove that severe infectious diseases often lead to pathological activity of the immune system. In some cases, the autoimmune process starts under the influence of intense ultraviolet radiation.

Disco Lupus Erythematosus: Photos and Symptoms

Such a disease is accompanied by very characteristic signs, which it is simply impossible not to notice. As a rule, the disease begins with skin lesions and the development of erythema. Most often redness and spots can be seen on the skin of the face, neck and hands, but on the lower part of the body there are practically no rashes.

As the disease develops, the cortex on the affected areas begins to peel off - sometimes there are white spots, rarely scarring. If the erythema appears on the scalp, then the hair in this place falls out.

Approximately 15% of cases of discoid lupus erythematosus are accompanied by a lesion of the oral mucosa. Often the disease is accompanied by diseases of the joints and muscles, which, accordingly, leads to the appearance of pain, weakness and aches in the body.

It is also worth noting that all of the above symptoms affect primarily the emotional state of the patient - the disease often leads to depression, depression, nervous breakdowns.

Discoid lupus erythematosus: treatment

Unfortunately, this is a chronic disease that can not be cured completely. Nevertheless, modern medicine helps to get rid of the main symptoms and even prevent the development of another exacerbation. Most often, hormonal drugs are used for treatment - these are solutions for subcutaneous injections, and tablets, and ointments for external use. All these drugs contain steroid hormones, which effectively fight inflammatory processes. Gels are also used for skin with protection against ultraviolet radiation, because this factor most often provokes the development of the disease. Patients are also prescribed vascular drugs that reduce the risk of developing necrosis processes. The condition and well-being of women is well reflected in the intake of vitamins of group B and C.

Discoid lupus erythematosus: prevention

Certainly, even after successful treatment of a woman with such a diagnosis should regularly undergo examination with a doctor and take the necessary tests - this is the only way to prevent the progress of the disease and the development of complications. It is extremely important to protect the skin from sunlight - do not go out on a sunny day without a protective umbrella, give up sunburn and a tanning salon, treat the skin with special means containing ultraviolet filters. In addition, it is also necessary to avoid supercooling and trauma to skin tissue.