discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) [Gk, diskos + eidos, form; L, lupus, wolf; Gk, erythema, redness, osis, condition] , a chronic, recurrent disease, primarily of the skin, characterized by lesions that are covered with scales and extend into follicles. The lesions are typically distributed on the face but may also be present on other parts of the body. On healing the lesions often leave atrophic, hyperpigmented, or hypopigmented scars. If hairy areas are involved, alopecia may result. The cause of the disease is not established, but there is evidence that it may be an autoimmune disorder, and some cases seem to be induced by certain drugs. It is at least five times more common in women than in men and occurs most frequently in the third and fourth decades of life. Treatment includes use of a sunblock, hats, and protective clothing when exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided, application of steroids to the lesions, and use of systemic antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine; systemic corticosteroid agents may be used in severe cases. See also systemic lupus erythematosus.
