How I treat discoid lupus erythematosus.

A biopsy is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis of discoid lupus erythematosus. Since many patients with skin lesions have systemic disease, they should have a thorough physical and laboratory survey. They should be told to avoid fatigue, sunlight and fluorescent light. Topical steroids often reduce intensity of erythematous lesions, and oral antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine are effective systemic agents.