Recurrent erosive-crusted ear lesions in a middle-aged woman: a case of discoid lupus erythematosus
Lesiones erosivo-costrosas recurrentes en la orejas en una mujer de mediana edad: un caso de lupus eritematoso discoide
Ana Beatriz Figueiredo Pires Coelho, Diogo Emanuel Loureiro de Sousa, Anabela Almeida Madeira
Abstract
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by erythematous scaly plaques, often resulting in scarring and pigmentary changes. It primarily affects sun-exposed areas and is more common in women aged 20-40. Although predominantly a skin condition, it can progress to systemic lupus erythematosus, warranting long-term monitoring. In this article, we e present the case of a 40-year-old woman with an 8-year history of recurrent erosive and crusted lesions on both earlobes, extending to the helix, with local atrophy. Biopsy revealed DLE. The patient responded well to topical corticosteroids, photoprotection, and remains under dermatological follow-up with no active lesions. This case underscores the importance of considering DLE in patients with chronic, scaly ear lesions. A tailored treatment approach, including topical therapy and photoprotection, can effectively manage localized disease while minimizing systemic exposure. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence and systemic involvement.
Keywords
Resumen
El lupus eritematoso discoide (LED) es una enfermedad autoinmune crónica de la piel caracterizada por placas escamosas eritematosas que, a menudo, resultan en cicatrices y cambios pigmentarios. Afecta principalmente áreas expuestas al sol y es más común en mujeres de 20 a 40 años. Aunque es predominantemente una afección cutánea, puede progresar a lupus eritematoso sistémico, lo que requiere un seguimiento a largo plazo. En este artículo, presentamos el caso de una mujer de 40 años con una historia de 8 años de lesiones erosivas y costrosas recurrentes en ambos lóbulos de las orejas, que se extienden hasta el hélix, con atrofia local. La biopsia reveló LED. La paciente respondió bien a los corticosteroides tópicos y a la fotoprotección y, actualmente, se encuentra en seguimiento dermatológico sin lesiones activas. Este caso resalta la importancia de considerar el LED en pacientes con lesiones escamosas crónicas en las orejas. Un enfoque de tratamiento personalizado, que incluya terapia tópica y fotoprotección, puede controlar eficazmente la enfermedad localizada mientras se minimiza la exposición sistémica. El seguimiento regular es fundamental para detectar recurrencias y evaluar una posible progresión sistémica.
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References
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Submitted date:
01/15/2025
Reviewed date:
02/12/2025
Accepted date:
03/13/2025
Publication date:
03/14/2025