How is discoid lupus treated?

How is discoid lupus treated?

Depending on how severe your symptoms are, your healthcare provider may recommend medications. These medications can reduce discoid lupus symptoms.

Some research suggests that medications are helpful for about 60% of people with cutaneous lupus. Discoid lupus treatment may include:

• Steroid ointments, such as fluocinolone acetonide (Synalar®) or hydrocortisone butyrate (Locoid®), lower inflammation and decrease swelling.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as dapsone (Aczone®) or low-dose methotrexate (Otrexup™, Rasuvo®) reduce pain and swelling.
• Antimalarial drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®), fight fatigue, reduce rashes and decrease joint pain.
• Calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus (Protopic®, Prograf®) or pimecrolimus (Elidel®), decrease inflammation by suppressing your immune system.