lupus

In medicine, any of various diseases characterized by lesions of the skin. One form (lupus vulgaris) is caused by the tubercle bacillus (see tuberculosis). The organism produces ulcers that spread and eat away the underlying tissues. Treatment is primarily with standard antituberculous drugs, but ultraviolet light may also be used.

Lupus erythematous (LE) has two forms: discoid LE, seen as red, scaly patches on the skin, especially the face; and disseminated or systemic LE, which may affect connective tissue anywhere in the body, often involving the internal organs. The latter is much more serious. Treatment is with corticosteroids. LE is an autoimmune disease.