Hence the term systemic. The term 'lupus erythematosus' refers to the red rash on the face. Discoid lupus affects the skin and is a relatively mild disease. 25 years or so ago the diagnosis was always thought to imply a grave outlook because only those with the most severe disease were recognised. The situation is very different now.
Doctors are now well aware of the condition and realise that it is often mild.
Treatment has also improved greatly. Discoid lupus is more common than SLE and is twice as common in women as in men. SLE is about 10 times more common in women than in men. A study conducted in Nottingham in 1989-90 showed that the prevalence was 45.4 per 100,000 among women and 3.7 per 100,000 among men. SLE is also more prevalent among Afro-Caribbean groups.