Discoid Lupus Erythematosus of the Scalp in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report with Complete Hair Regrowth

Keywords: Alopecia, Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid/complications, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications, Scalp Dermatoses/diagnosis, Scalp Dermatoses/drug therapy, Thalidomide

Abstract

Scalp involvement with hair loss is common in systemic lupus erythematosus. Discoid lupus erythematosus may cause scarring alopecia, characterized by well-delimited erythematous plaques with scales, follicular hyperkeratosis and atrophy, which is considered a trichological emergency. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary in order to prevent permanent hair loss. We describe a 44 years’ old female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus for 4 years, with multiple areas of occipitoparietal alopecia, erythematous plaques, atrophy, scales and some bloody crusts. Trichoscopy, histopathology and direct immunofluorescence led to the diagnosis of discoid lupus erythematosus. After 9 months treatment with thalidomide there was complete hair regrowth.

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References

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Published
2021-06-26
How to Cite
Garbelini-Lima, C., Evangelista de Almeida, G., Quércia Gadelha, S., Cavalcante de Souza, A., Gomes de Souza, M. L., & Vilasboas Figueiras, V. (2021). Discoid Lupus Erythematosus of the Scalp in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report with Complete Hair Regrowth. Journal of the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology, 79(2), 155-158. https://doi.org/10.29021/spdv.79.2.1283
Section
Case Reports