April 8, 2018

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic dermatological disease that can lead to scarring, hair loss, and hyperpigmentation changes in skin if it is not treated early and promptly usually appear on the face, ears, and scalp, but have been seen on the body as well, slowly expand with active inflammation and hyperpigmentation at the periphery leaving depressed central atrophy and scarring, telangiectasia, hypopigmentation and irreversible scarring alopecia on the scalpMost of the time it is genetic, but can be environmental. Some contributing environmental factors include ultraviolet radiation (UVR), medications, cigarette smoking, and possibly, viruses. A carpet tack sign is seen due to appearance of follicle-sized keratotic spike after adherent scale removal.

Symptoms of discoid lupus erythematosus include inflammation of the skin and a rash. Other symptoms that could be seen on either a daily occasion or from time to time include hair loss, permanent scarring or red patches that are disc shaped on the skin that are crusty and scaly. Other symptoms that could be life threatening include chest pain or pressure, pale or blue lips, irregular heartbeat, inability to urinate, rapid heart rate, or difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.

Treatments

Topical and oral steroids, Antimalarial drugs, Thalodomide are the first line of treatment for DLE, topical sunscreen is used for further prevention.

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Ichthyosis (ick-thee-OH-sis) is a skin disease that causes extremely dry, thick, and scaly skin resembles fish scales.

These are a heterogeneous group of disorders with both inherited and acquired forms. these are the types

Ichthyosis Vulgaris- Most common type of icthyosis Lamellar Ichthyosis- Lamellar ichthyosis is characterized by dark, plate (armor)-like scale. Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis- characterized by generalized redness and fine white scale Congenital Ichthyosiform Erythroderma- newborn infant with ichthyosis who presented at birth with collodion baby appearance. X-linked Ichthyosis- due to a defect in the enzyme steroid sulfatase, affects males with generalized scaling that usually begins soon after birth.

Ichthyosis Treatment

Several hours each day may need to be devoted the skin if ichthyosis is present in an individual. Daily, a person will need to take a shower or a bath. The skin should be exfoliated on a daily basis, and moisturised well. Moisturising ointments or creams may need to be prescribed by a dermatologist for the individual. Oral retinoids can be prescribed to reduce scaling. If a secondary infection occurs on the skin, oral antibiotics will need to be prescribed. Tips that will help keep the skin looking and feeling its best include applying a good quality lotion within 3 minutes of bathing. Apply to wet skin to keep moisture trapped into the skin. Products that contain lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids and urea will help to keep skin not only moisturised but also exfoliated. Rubbing a wet pumice stone over crusty scales on the skin can help to remove them. Should there be scales on the scalp, brushing wet hair gently will aid in removing the scales.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus