Definition: A chronic form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, CUTANEOUS) in which the skin lesions mimic those of the systemic form but in which systemic signs are rare. It is characterized by the presence of discoid skin plaques showing varying degrees of edema, erythema, scaliness, follicular plugging, and skin atrophy. Lesions are surrounded by an elevated erythematous border. The condition typically involves the face and scalp, but widespread dissemination may occur.
do not confuse with systemic or disseminated: discoid is usually in dermatol jrnls, systemic in arthritis or rheumat jrnls; when unspecified in title, "discoid" is usually discernible from text or bibliog refs; note X ref: do not confuse with LUPUS ERYTH
See AlsoPanniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus ExamplesPanniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus
