Are you getting circular red spots on your skin? This could be Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE)!

Are you experiencing red, sometimes circular spots on your neck, chest, back, or arms? Are they scaly, scaly, and dry? Many people are concerned about this condition. It's normal to wonder if it's just a common skin condition or something more serious. Today, we'll talk about Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus, or SCLE for short, a form of lupus that only affects the skin. Once you're fully aware of this, it will be much easier for you to deal with this condition.

Simply put, what is SCLE?

Okay, let's put this simply. SCLE is a condition that belongs to a group of diseases called lupus, and it mainly affects the skin. Lupus is a disease that occurs due to a problem with our body's immune system. Normally, our immune system fights off germs that cause disease. But in a condition like lupus, this system mistakenly starts attacking our own healthy cells.

SCLE is a type of lupus that affects the skin. Doctors call it Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE). The word "Subacute" refers to the type of inflammation seen in a skin biopsy, which is a small piece of skin taken and examined.

Importantly, approximately half of people with SCLE also have the more common lupus condition, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or SLE . SLE is a condition that can affect not only the skin, but also internal organs such as the kidneys, heart, and brain. So it's important to talk to a doctor if you have symptoms of SCLE.

What are the main types of SCLE?

SCLE can be seen in two main ways. Both of these look a little different. Let's see what they are.

What are the symptoms of SCLE?

The main symptom of SCLE is a skin rash. These are most commonly seen on parts of your body that are usually exposed to the sun, such as the neck, chest, back, and arms.

This damage can be like this:

• Red, ring-shaped, oval spots. Sometimes these rings can connect to each other and look like a large pattern.
• Red, scaly, dry, scaly skin. This often looks like psoriasis.

What are the factors that contribute to the development of SCLE?

It's hard to pinpoint a single cause for SCLE. It's a complex issue. Researchers believe that several factors come together to cause it.

• Genetic factors: This means there may be a genetic link. If someone in your family has lupus, you may also be at risk.
• Environmental factors: The most important of these is ultraviolet radiation , which is sunlight. In addition, it is believed that factors such as tobacco use and pesticides can also have an impact.
• Certain medications: About a third of people with SCLE develop the condition after taking certain medications. This is called "Drug-induced SCLE."

Who is at higher risk of developing SCLE?

• It occurs more often in women than in men.
• It is most commonly seen in people between the ages of 40 and 60 .
• Although it is more common in white people, this condition can occur in people of any race.

Diagnosis and treatment of the disease

If you have these symptoms, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. You may be referred to a dermatologist or a rheumatologist.

How to diagnose the disease?

The doctor will examine your skin and ask you about your symptoms. They may then do the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Skin biopsy: This involves taking a very small sample of skin from a mole on your skin under anesthesia and examining it under a microscope. This can help determine whether the mole is caused by SCLE or another skin condition.
• Blood tests: Several blood tests may be done.
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Sed rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) - These check for inflammation in the body.
• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test: This is a very important test in diagnosing lupus.
• Kidney and Liver function tests
• Urinalysis

How is SCLE treated?

The most important and number one thing in treating SCLE is sun protection , as sunlight is the main factor that exacerbates this disease.

Additionally, your doctor may recommend topical creams or oral medications depending on the severity of your symptoms.

How to live with SCLE?

SCLE is a lifelong (chronic) disease. This means that symptoms may increase at times and decrease at times. However, it can be well controlled and you can live a normal life.

Sun protection is number one!

This is the most important thing you can do.

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher every day when you go out in the sun . This is a must, even on cloudy days.
• Avoid the strong sun between 10 am and 4 pm.
• When going out in the sun, wear sun-protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved clothing.
• Stop using tanning beds completely.

Taking good care of yourself is also a cure!

• Understand the disease: Read about this disease from reliable sources and educate yourself. This will give you a better understanding of what is happening in your body.
• Find a doctor you trust: You may need to see a doctor regularly, so continue to seek treatment from a doctor who listens to you and understands you.
• Build a support system: Talking to people who are in a similar situation and sharing your experiences will give you great mental strength.
• Take care of yourself: Eat healthy, exercise, sleep well, and manage stress. These things will go a long way in helping you manage the disease.

Since you have SCLE and need to protect yourself from the sun a lot, you may develop a vitamin D deficiency . It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about this and take a vitamin D supplement if necessary.

SCLE, Subacute Cutaneous Lupus, lupus, skin disease, red spots, sunlight, skin disease, autoimmune disease, skin rash sinhala