Psychological effects of cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

What is lupus erythematosus?

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a group of chronic, autoimmune diseases that can affect multiple organs. Often involves the skin, with acute, subacute, intermittent, chronic and non-specific forms. Cutaneous disease is a feature of systemic LE in about 70% of patients.

Common manifestations of cutaneous LE include:

• Persistent and disfiguring facial eruptions
• Photosensitivity
• Hair lost.

Cutaneous LE can have a profound effect on the individual's mental and physical health.

Who gets the psychological effects of cutaneous lupus erythematosus?

The cutaneous manifestations of LE often result in depression and psychological stress. It is estimated that 20 to 40% of patients with cutaneous LE suffer emotional problems.

What are the psychological effects of cutaneous lupus erythematosus?

Cutaneous LE affects almost all aspects of a person's life, including their family and other social relationships.

• Patients report that they are extremely self-conscious and distressed about their appearance, as well as being socially stigmatized.
• Cutaneous LE also interferes with leisure activities due to the need to avoid sunlight.
• Feelings of helplessness and feeling trapped by the disease are frequently reported, due to chronicity of lupus and its lack of cure.

The very poor quality of life seen in patients with cutaneous LE is comparable to that seen in patients with other serious chronic conditions, such as congestive heart failure and diabetes.

How are the psychological effects of cutaneous lupus erythematosus measured?

The Lupus Cutaneous Activity and Severity Index (CLASI) is a tool used to assess the effects of cutaneous LE on the individual. Classifies disease activity into a scale 0 to 70 (the higher the number, the greater the severity) and the damage it has caused on a scale of 0 to 56 (the higher the number, the higher the level of dyspigmentation and scars).

The Skindex-29 questionnaire and the Dermatology Quality of life index (DLQI) can also be used to assess the quality of life of patients with chronic skin conditions, including cutaneous LE.

How are the psychological effects of cutaneous lupus erythematosus treated?

Treatment for cutaneous LE may require collaboration between a dermatologist and a psychologist or psychiatrist to treat the physical and psychological effects of the disease.

Treatment includes:

• Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid exposing the skin to sunlight.
• Current and systemic treatments for skin conditions.
• Antidepressants
• Stress management
• Patient support groups
• Psychiatric treatment, including behavioral disturbance and cognitive behavioral therapy.