Hi.are both typea if lupus linked? Or are they classed as 2 separate diseases ?

[dglet]

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Discoid lupus is a form of lupus, in the majority of cases only affecting the skin. It rarely affects the internal organs, i.e. becomes systemic. Most studies suggest that approximately 5% of patients with discoid lupus at some stage may suffer a generalised flare of the disease, involving joints, kidneys etc. and may progress to developing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

[dglet in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thank you Paul

[Tigerlily4]

As a PS, I've had systemic lupus for almost 30 years and, totally out of the blue, had a single bad flare of discoid lupus on one of my legs a few years ago.

[sandyjane]

Hi, I am one of the 5% have been for the past 18 years. Apparently if you have the two types it is called Rowells Syndrome.

[marcie]

Rowell's is when you have either/or systemic lupus or discoid lupus with annular skin lesions, like erythema multiforme and your ANA profile will always be 'speckled' as opposed to homogenous or heterogenous. It is uncommon but it is worldwide, not favoring one nation or another.

With systemic lupus / SLE, you can have discoid involvement and in fact it is common whereas with discoid lupus, known as a milder form of lupus generally, you don't find systemic symptoms often as a part of the Dx, although it 'can' occur as well, just less commonly.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus/DLE and Sytemic Lupus Erythematosus/SLE are distinct and separate disease diagnosis, but can overlap in individuals, no SLE or DLE patient is alike with their symptomatology nor progression of their illness. Symptoms of both types of lupus, tend to exacerbate into flares in cyclical fashion. In other words, you usually get the same flare types over and over throughout the years when not in a remission with your illness.

Good luck to everyone with any form of Lupus!