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It's not just the skin that's deprived: How does discoid lupus erythematosus affect quality of life?
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus is the most common type of chronic cutaneous lupus, an autoimmune skin disease that often affects quality of life. The condition typically appears as red, painful, inflamed disc-shaped patches of skin, often on the scalp, cheeks, and ears, with a scaly or crusted appearance. Severe scarring and discolored skin may occur as the disease progresses, affecting the patient's psychological and social life.
Patients often feel uneasy due to changes in appearance in social interactions, which is not limited to physiological effects, but also deepens their psychological burden.
Signs and symptoms
The skin lesions of discoid lupus erythematosus initially appear as dull or purple-red, disc-shaped, flat or raised, firm areas of skin. These lesions then develop profuse white adherent scaling and may cause extensive scarring or atrophy with subsequent changes in skin color. These patches may be accompanied by dry, fluid-filled crusts and may affect the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.
Causes and mechanisms
Sunlight exposure is considered the main cause of discoid lupus erythematosus lesions. Although the genetic component of skin lesions has not been clearly determined, certain genes may predispose individuals to the disease.
Many experts believe that discoid lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease and that antibodies can be found through a biopsy. However, the association between these antibodies and lesions remains unclear.
Diagnostic Process
When a person first presents with discoid lupus erythematosus, doctors need to rule out systemic lupus erythematosus. Diagnosis is usually made by skin biopsy, which often shows antibody deposition at the dermal-epidermal junction, with a sensitivity of 90%. However, biopsy results of facial lesions may yield false-positive results.
Treatment Options
Treatment The first step in removing this barrier is to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and using a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. Initial treatment is usually with potent topical steroids, but if that is inadequate, oral antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine may be needed. More severe cases may require stronger medications or laser treatment.
Life Impact
In addition to physical challenges, patients with discoid lupus erythematosus also have to deal with many psychological problems. Many patients report that they feel inferior to their lesion scars, which not only affects their self-esteem but also makes them feel uncomfortable in social situations.
Many people find themselves withdrawing from professional networking because they worry about what others will say about their appearance.
Prognosis
Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease that can persist for years if untreated. According to research, about 50% of patients can recover on their own after a period of time, but this does not guarantee that all patients can recover successfully.
Conclusion
For those living with the effects of discoid lupus erythematosus, the challenges are not only physical, but also involve deep psychological impacts. How to help these patients overcome self-image challenges and regain self-confidence is what society should focus on. Can we better understand and support people living with these conditions?
