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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
05:44
Skin Biopsy for Diagnosing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: June 10, 2025
Drugs for discoid lupus erythematosus
Sue Jessop1, David A Whitelaw, Finola M Delamere
1Dermatology, Groote Schuur Hospital, 27 Roosevelt Road, CLAREMONT, Cape Town, South Africa, 7708.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 13, 2009
Summary
Fluocinonide cream may be more effective than hydrocortisone for discoid lupus erythematosus. Hydroxychloroquine and acitretin show similar efficacy, but acitretin has more side effects. More research is needed for other treatments.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic skin condition that can lead to scarring.
- Current treatments for DLE include various drugs, some with significant toxicity.
- Evaluating drug efficacy and safety in DLE is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and safety of different drugs used to treat discoid lupus erythematosus.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for DLE pharmacotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to June 2009.
- Included drugs: azathioprine, corticosteroids, methotrexate, retinoids, hydroxychloroquine, and others.
- Two independent reviewers assessed study eligibility and extracted data.
Main Results:
- One trial showed fluocinonide cream (potent corticosteroid) was more effective than hydrocortisone cream (mild corticosteroid) for DLE.
- Another trial found acitretin and hydroxychloroquine had similar efficacy, but acitretin caused more adverse effects.
- Limited data exists for many other DLE drug treatments.
Conclusions:
- Fluocinonide cream may offer superior treatment outcomes compared to hydrocortisone for DLE.
- Hydroxychloroquine is a viable option with potentially fewer side effects than acitretin.
- Further high-quality RCTs are needed to establish evidence for other DLE medications.
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