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The war between the sun and the skin: How does discoid lupus erythematosus fight against sun damage?
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common chronic cutaneous lupus autoimmune disease. The disease causes red, painful, inflamed, disc-shaped lesions on the skin that typically appear on sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, cheeks, and ears. If the lesions appear on the scalp, they may cause hair loss. These lesions may persist for years if left untreated. Sunlight, as a major trigger, can exacerbate the condition, forcing patients to engage in a constant battle with the sun.
Distinctive features of the lesion
Disc lupus erythematosus skin lesions initially appear as dull or purple-red, disc-shaped flat or raised, hard skin areas. Over time, the lesions gradually develop white adherent scales and may eventually Causes severe scarring and color changes.
These lesions may be most common on sun-exposed areas, especially the head and face, but some patients may also develop lesions on the mouth, nose, and other mucous membranes. Lesions on the scalp, in particular, can lead to hair loss and deep skin scarring, which can seriously affect the patient's quality of life.
Causes and mechanisms
The development of discoid lupus erythematosus is often associated with exposure to sunlight, which can damage skin cells and release substances in the cell nucleus, causing an autoimmune reaction. Although the specific relationship between these antibodies and the lesions is still unclear, many experts believe that the disease is an autoimmune disease.
Diagnostic Process
To diagnose discoid lupus erythematosus, doctors first rule out signs of systemic lupus erythematosus and try to obtain tissue from the patient's skin lesions for a biopsy. Typical biopsy results will show IgG and IgM antibody deposits in the basal layer of the skin, with this finding being detected in 90% of cases. However, biopsies of facial lesions can sometimes give false-positive results and thus need to be interpreted with caution.
Treatment pathways
Currently, treatment options for discoid lupus erythematosus include the use of sunscreen, specifically products that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe strong topical steroids or even inject them directly into the affected area. If these measures are ineffective, oral medications such as hydroxychloroquine may be the next step in treatment. In some cases, patients may also need antimalarial or other types of oral medications to relieve symptoms.
Prognosis and long-term management
Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease, and lesions may persist for many years without treatment. However, about 50% of patients will recover spontaneously in the future, and these patients usually do not develop systemic lupus erythematosus.
Social and cultural impacts
Some well-known musicians, such as Seal and the once popular Michael Jackson, have suffered from discoid lupus erythematosus. This disease not only affects the health of patients, but also affects their careers and public image to some extent.
Conclusion
While DLE can affect many people's lives, causing them to struggle with the appearance of the lesions and the pain that comes with them, people with DLE can still have a good life if it is properly treated and managed. Facing the natural sunlight, how can we effectively protect our skin and fight against these lesions?
