Early Discoid lupus erythematosus

DLE (Discoid Lupus)

Discoid lupus erythematosus (or simply “DLE”) is a scarring hair loss condition. DLE has a unique feature that is important to know about: the early and aggressive treatment of hair loss in patients with DLE can often lead to some degree of hair regrowth. (This remarkably potential for regrowth can also be seen in some patients with two other scarring alopecias: frontal fibrosing alopecia and dissecting cellulitis).

This picture shows some of the classic features of early DLE. There is some redness admixed with a dirty brown pigmentation. Some white scale is seen. The arrows are pointing to one of the more important trichoscopic features: plugged hair follicles (also called “follicular plugging”). A large number of single hairs are seen indicated of its destructive potential.