ABSTRACT
Discoid lupus erythematosus is the most common form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. It is more common in women than in men, in individuals between 20 and 40 years of age. It is an inflammatory autoimmune disease in which genetically predisposed individuals are stimulated by hormonal and a variety of exogenous factors including UV radiation, stress, infections, and even temperature changes. Lesions are characterized by erythema, hyperkeratosis and atrophy. Typical sites are light-exposed areas, i.e. forehead, nose, cheeks, upper part of the back, upper chest, and dorsal aspects of the hands and feet. A case of lupus erythematosus hypertrophicus with very good and rapid treatment results with antimalarials and topical corticosteroid is presented.
Subject(s)
Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous/diagnosis , Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous/drug therapy , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Antimalarials/therapeutic use , Biopsy , Diagnosis, Differential , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Sunscreening Agents/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Azathioprine is a synthetic purine analog derived from 6-mercaptopurine. It is a purine antagonist and its active metabolites act by disrupting the function of endogenous purines. It has a cytotoxic and immunosuppressive mechanism of action. It is used in dermatology for treatment of immunobullous diseases, generalized eczematous disorders and photodermatoses. There is an enzyme in the metabolism of azathioprine called thiopurine s-methyltransferase (TPMT). It is very important to measure the TPMT activity before initiating therapy so that proper dosing of azathioprine can be achieved.
