Torschuetzen

Discoid lupus erythematosus is an uncommon rash, usually made worse by exposure to sunlight. Discoid lupus is limited to skin symptoms and is diagnosed by biopsy of rash on the face, neck, scalp or arms.
Treatment can include corticosteroids and anti-malarial drugs. Certain types of lupus nephritis such as diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis require bouts of cytotoxic drugs. These drugs include cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate.
Avoiding sunlight is the primary change to the lifestyle of SLE sufferers, as sunlight is known to exacerbate the disease, as is the debilitating effect of intense fatigue. These two problems can lead to patients becoming housebound for long periods of time.