Discoid Lupus

Question 1

What is discoid lupus?

Answer 1

benign disorder characterised by follicular keratin plugs
- thought to be autoimmune in aetiology

Question 2

Typical demographic

Answer 2

Young females

Question 3

A small percentage of patients with discoid lupus can progress to SLE. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 3

TRUE (progresses in <5% of cases)

Question 4

Describe the clinical features

Answer 4

• erythematous, raised rash, sometimes scaly
• may be photosensitive
• Face, neck, ears and scalp
• lesions heal with atrophy, scarring (may cause scarring alopecia), and pigmentation

Question 5

Management of discoid lupus

Answer 5

topical steroid cream
oral antimalarials e.g. hydroxychloroquine
avoid sun exposure