It is known that antibodies and other proteins that are used to fight infection are deposited in the skin inappropriately and cause inflammation. As doctors are not sure what causes discoid lupus, the reasons that lupus affects the skin are also unclear. It is also known that proteins within the skin of lupus sufferers are more sensitive to ultraviolet rays contained in sunlight resulting in inflammation.
There is no one test to diagnose lupus, and it may take months or years to make the diagnosis. There is no cure for lupus, but medicines and lifestyle changes can help control it.
Tests will include a skin biopsy and blood tests to look for other forms of lupus erythematosus. The skin biopsy result is specific, but abnormal blood tests are not expected.

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