This protocol covers patients with localized skin lesions of discoid lupus erythematosus, where there is no severe or widespread skin involvement and no risk of scarring or progression to systemic disease. It applies to patients who are not pregnant and not breastfeeding.
For selected patients with localized CLE who are unresponsive to other treatments, the protocol incorporates retinoids used alongside antimalarials as a systemic option. The full regimen, including all options, selection criteria, and monitoring guidance, is available in the structured protocol.
Response to retinoid therapy is expected to occur within the first 2 to 6 weeks of treatment.