OBJECTIVE: To review the literature about discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in childhood. DATA SOURCES: Textbooks and journals indexed for Medline and SciELO in the last ten years. The following key-words were searched: "discoid lupus erythematosus", "chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus", "lupus erythematosus in childhood", "lupus erythematosus in children", "discoid lupus erythematosus in childhood", "discoid lupus erythematosus in children". DATA SYNTHESIS: Disease onset occurs predominantly between five and ten years old. Family history of lupus erythematosus is present in 11-35% of cases. The female/male ratio varies from 1/1 to 2.4/1. Development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is present in 24-27% of patients. Localized discoid lesions are observed in 56-75% of patients. The face is the most frequent site of involvement. Localized and generalized DLE have a similar course. The histological findings are typical, with interface dermatitis. IgM and IgG are the most frequent deposits in the basement membrane zone. The treatments usually used are: sunscreens, topical corticosteroids and antimalarials. Immunosuppressive agents, thalidomide, dapsone and retinoids can be used in refractory cases. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood DLE shows slight female predominance, high prevalence of familiar history of lupus erythematosus, and it evolves to systemic lupus erythematosus in a higher proportion than adult DLE. Disseminated DLE and localized DLE have similar prognosis. The histological findings did not differ from those described in adults.
lupus erythematosus, discoid; lupus erythematosus, systemic; vasculitis
