Discoid lupus erythematosus is a condition of the skin that generates localized or widespread circular lesions.  Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune condition.  Instead of protecting the body against infectious organisms, certain dysfunctions from the immune system cause it to attack healthy cells and tissues,  producing skin lesions in children.  Your skin lesions, brought on by discoid lupus erythematosus, can become worse with prolonged exposure to the sun.  Most patients have localized skin lesions, predominantly on body regions exposed to sunlight: scalp, face, neck and arms.

However, some patients have skin lesions on unexposed regions of the body: chest, back or legs.  These lesions can indicate the development of systemic lupus erythematosus, which involves serious abnormalities from the immune system.

While individuals with discoid lupus erythematosus mostly present recurring skin conditions, patients identified as having systemic lupus erythematosus can cultivate an array of diseases: cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, pneumonia, disorders from the G.I. tract, and diseases of the musculoskeletal or nervous systems.

Discoid lupus erythematosus is very common in women aged  18 to 50, yet kids lupus can occur as well.  The skin disorder has the highest incidence in African Americans (esp. women) who commonly experience more intense symptoms of discoid lupus erythematosus.  Although actual causes of the disorder haven’t been identified, multiple inter-related factors are suspected for triggering the condition: Read the rest of this entry