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 of the immune system cause it to attack healthy body cells and tissues, producing lesions on the surface of the skin. The skin lesions caused by discoid lupus erythematosus can aggravate due to prolonged exposure to the sun. Most patients have localized skin lesions, predominantly on the 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 of the immune system.

While people with discoid lupus erythematosus mostly present recurring skin disorders, patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus can develop a wide range of diseases: cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, pneumonia, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the musculoskeletal or nervous systems.

Discoid lupus erythematosus is very common in women with ages between 18 and 50 and it rarely occurs in men. The skin disorder has the highest incidence in African American women, who commonly experience more intense symptoms of discoid lupus erythematosus. Although the actual causes of the disorder have not been identified, multiple inter-related factors are suspected for triggering the condition: genetic factors (inherited genetic abnormalities), hormonal factors (excessive levels of estrogen seem to facilitate the development of the disorder) and environmental factors (prolonged medical treatments with antibiotics). Discoid lupus erythematosus has a pronounced hereditary character, as the majority of affected people have a family history of the disorder.

The process of diagnosing discoid lupus erythematosus involves physical examination, laboratory analysis of skin samples and elaborate blood tests. If laboratory tests reveal dysfunctions of the immune system and the skin lesions are linked to discoid lupus erythematosus, the patients will be prescribed an appropriate medical treatment. Although the disorder can't be completely overcome through the means of the medical treatments available today, discoid lupus erythematosus can be controlled and its generated symptoms can be ameliorated. Patients diagnosed with discoid lupus erythematosus need to avoid exposure to sunlight in order to prevent aggravation of their skin lesions and the formation of permanent scars.

In the early stages of discoid lupus erythematosus, the skin lesions have a reddish, circular aspect and the borders of the affected skin present sharp prominences. In time, the skin may become scaly and crusty. When discoid lupus erythematosus affects the scalp, the disorder often involves temporary or even permanent hair loss. African American patients are exposed to a high risk of developing skin cancer and they should take special measures in avoiding sun burns. With the help of medical treatments and by avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight, the skin disorder can be kept under control and its symptoms can be considerably ameliorated.