Cicatricial alopecia: discoid lupus erythematosus

ABSTRACT: Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus consists of three major dermatologic diseases: discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), lupus panniculitis/lupus profundus, and lupus tumidus (Table 1). DLE is estimated to be responsible for 50–85% of patients with chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Scalp involvement is most often the presenting symptom. The clinical features and diagnosis of DLE, its pathophysiology and treatment, are reviewed. Table 1. Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus Discoid lupus erythematosus Classic Hypertrophic/verrucous discoid lupus erythematosus Acneiform Lupus panniculitis/lupus profundus Lupus tumidus