Discoid lupus
Lupus erythematosus is a category for a collection of diseases with similar underlying problems with immunity (autoimmune disease). Symptoms of these diseases can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, and lungs.
After the confusion created by the many different diseases once called lupus, nowadays in practice the term is reserved for two types, both related. Systemic lupus, which is so called because it affects internal organs, generally produces a mild rash or flush on the face. discoid-lupus on the other hand, usually causes a much more pronounced, and sometimes scarring, rash on the face, and may also result in severe hair loss and scarring of the scalp.
While the exact cause is not known, patients with DLE probably have a genetic predisposition. This condition does tend to run in families. The disease usually becomes active after UV light exposure but scientists believe there must be other triggering factors. Women also develop this disease three times more than men.