Q - My wife has developed DLE. Is this a skin disease and is it life threatening? Can this be cured?
A - Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is an autoimmune disease, a type of immune system disorder where the body harms its own healthy cells and tissues. This leads to inflammation and damage of the body tissues. When only the skin is involved, the condition is called Discoid Lupus Erythematosus. When internal organs are also involved (heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system) the condition is called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
DLE is a relatively benign condition limited to the skin and characterized by various-sized (a few millimeters to 10-15cm), reddish, well-defined, scaly patches, which tend to heal with atrophy, scarring and pigmentary changes. The rash may last for weeks or years and can recur. It most frequently involves the face (on the cheeks, the bridge of the nose), the ears, the side of the neck and the scalp. Discoid LE may affect the lips causing ulcers and scaling. In about one-third of patients Alopecia (hair loss) occurs in the scalp lesions if the hair follicles are involved; hair loss is usually permanent. The arms, legs and trunk are uncommonly affected. The disease affects twice as many females as males, usually starting in the fourth decade. Familial cases are rare.
There are blood changes in about half of the patients and up to 10 per cent of persons with Discoid Lupus Erythematosus eventually develop the systemic form of Lupus (SLE).
At present, there is no permanent cure for Lupus. However, the symptoms of Lupus can be controlled with appropriate treatment and most people with the disease can lead active, healthy lives. Treatments for discoid lupus include avoiding sun exposure and medications. Stay indoors whenever possible between 10am and 4pm. Cover up, wear a broad brimmed hat, long sleeves, high collar, long trousers, socks and shoes. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 60+ sunscreen to all exposed skin. Local cortisone (creams and injections) are also beneficial. DLE is not due to malaria yet your dermatologist may advise antimalarials because they have photo protective properties. But regular blood tests and eye checks are necessary. In severe DLE Systemic, steroid may be needed but under strict supervision due to their side effects.
Dr Badr Dhanani
OMI
Q - Are salts like sodium monoglutamate safe?
A - Most of the items of foodstuff on the market are made by recognized companies and are tested by the government agencies and only allowed to be sold once they pass rigorous scrutiny.
Sodium monoglutamate known by various names including Chinese salt is a glutamate of sodium. It, like soyasauce is a necessary ingredient of Far Eastern cooking. Sodium monoglutamate now comes in packing marked ‘halal’, this is completely safe and can be consumed without any compunction.
The thing to watch for are additives, colouring agents, preservatives and other artificial matter which is mixed up with foodstuff.
The foodstuff or other things that are harmful to human are called pathogens. Sometimes it is impossible to know the agent responsible for a problem. At this point we turn to tests on laboratory animals. We test the effect of various matter on the animals. Harmful effect on the animal means it is not fit for humans.
Most of the animal experiments are open so that they are monitored by the government and the public.
Dr. Ayub Wasim
ZMU
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