Lupus is a generic term used lo describe several varieties of chronic localized infiltrations of the skin. The most common of these are Lupus erythematosus and Lupus vulgaris. The former occurs in slightly elevated, scaly, red patches, varying in size, which show a strong tendency lo the production of atrophic scars. It is most common on the face, ears and scalp, more rarely occurring on the hands and feel. It begins in several isolated or grouped red spots little larger than a pin-head and having a thin scale. These spots increase in size by peripheral extension, while the surface is partly covered by the grayish scales pr thin scar tissue. The color is characteristic and is violaceous. They may remain small, or may grow large enough to coyer the side of the face.
The comparatively small patches have little effect on health, but the disseminated variety may cause death.
Lupus vulgaris is a chronic disease of the skin, due to its invasion by the tubercle-bacillus; characterized by one or more brownish-red lumps or patches that lend lo absorption, ulceration and scar formation. The disease usually begins in childhood, the most frequent site being the face, particularly the cheek and nose. There may be one or more such spots, but they show no tendency lo symmetrical development. After a time slightly scaly patches will form by the coalescence of the tiny red spots. Sometimes the disease has a slow course, for years remaining quiescent; in other cases it suddenly lakes on a rapid growth. The erythematous form is treated by superficial caustics. Lupus vulgaris being a tubercular disease, hygiene is of great importance, and the X-rays and other powerful rays seem to exert a curative influence on the growths.
