Vitamin E and discoid lupus erythematosus

We treated seven patients with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) with Vitamin E in an oral dose of 400 mg three times per day for 12 weeks. All other systemic and topical treatments were discontinued 1 month before initiation of the trial. The drug was then stopped and follow-up continued for at least another 4 weeks. No patient showed clearing of lesions. The trial was conducted during summer, when DLE is likely to be most active. There was no deterioration in any patient. No side effects were noted.