OVERVIEWAn inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues. Lupus (SLE) can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

Symptoms vary but can include fatigue, joint pain, rash and fever. These can periodically get worse (flare up) and then improve.

While there's no cure for lupus, current treatments focus on improving quality of life through controlling symptoms and minimising flare-ups. This begins with lifestyle modifications, including sun protection and diet.

Further disease management includes medication such as anti-inflammatories and steroids. In DLE, a type of cutaneous lupus, symptoms affect only the skin.

DLE appears as circular lesions, typically on the scalp and face, although they can appear on other parts of the body, such as inside the ears. The lesions tend to be red and may become thick and scaly.

In some cases, the lesions lead to scarring and skin discoloration. If lesions scar on the scalp, hair may not regrow in that area.

DLE does not affect the internal organs, but around 10% of people with DLE go on to develop SLE, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. However, it is possible that these people already had SLE and their skin symptoms led to a DLE diagnosis first.

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