I live abroad and I don't know how to approach the problem. I discovered a stomach rash in January 2014, but didn't take it too seriously. In April of the same year, the rash worsened and, apart from my abdomen, I already had a rash all over my body. Fatigue and joint pain appeared. I went to the clinic. The doctor didn't really know what was wrong with me, so I got a referral to a dermatologist. I finally got an appointment in October. I had a biopsy, after 6 weeks the doctor said that I had eczema, but with a question mark. In January 2015, I had a biopsy again and came out with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus SCLE. In fact, I haven't been told much about this disease. I found out everything from the Internet. In June of this year, I was prescribed Plaquenil 200 mg. I was told I needed to consider if I wanted to take this drug. After it, I didn't feel well, but my joint pain stopped. I had checkups and the rash was found to stop. In June 2016, I became pregnant and the rash has decreased. I waited for a check-up by a dermatologist and I lived to see it, and I was there yesterday. I was prescribed Plaquenil again and I wonder what to do next. I am looking for information about this disease. And a few words about Plaquenil, please.
It is an autoimmune disease, covering a wide spectrum of skin lesions and in the systemic form, organ disorders. The pathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood. Its complex mechanism is emphasized, including genetic factors, vascular disorders and immune disorders.
A very important factor influencing the course of the disease is ultraviolet radiation (UVR). In all forms of lupus erythematosus, hypersensitivity to UVR is observed, which leads to the activation of lesions. There are 3 main forms of lupus: systemic, chronic cutaneous and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). SCLE is a special form of LE, in which the criteria for the diagnosis of SLE are often met, however, the disease has typical scattered skin lesions of psoriasis or annelids and a much milder course. A characteristic feature is the extreme sensitivity to sunlight and the presence of Ro and / or La antibodies.
Therapy is based on antimalarial drugs (Plaquenil is one of them), less often it is necessary to use steroids or immunosuppressants in general.
Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.
Elżbieta Szymańska, MD, PhDDermatologist-venereologist. He deals with classic and aesthetic dermatology. He works as a deputy manager in the Department of Dermatology at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior and as director of for medical matters, Center for Prevention and Therapy in Warsaw. Since 2011, he has been the scientific director of the Postgraduate Studies of the Medical University of Warsaw "Aesthetic Medicine".
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