Monday 15 November 2010

MRCP revision battle 50.5: Discoid lupus erythematosus

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a skin condition characterised by:
  • erythematous plaques with 
  • slight scaling with the 
  • inside hypopigmented compared to the edge.  As they age they develop
  • keratin plugs in the centre.

Young females tend to be most commonly affected.

The lesions are photosensitive and tend to occur on the face, neck and scalp.

It is associated with SLE but less than 5% of cases progress to SLE.


First line treatment is topical steroids.
Second line treatment is hydroxychloroquine.



Now to a pair of blistering diseases that have always confused me...