Association between discoid lupus erythematosus and cigarette smoking.

BACKGROUND: Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic cutaneous disease affecting photoexposed areas and has also been associated with cigarette smoking.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between smoking and DLE.

METHODS: A case-control study was performed involving 57 cases diagnosed with DLE and 215 healthy controls.

RESULTS: A higher smoking prevalence was noted in DLE cases (84.2%) than controls (33.5%), and the odds ratio adjusted for gender, age and ultraviolet index in the city of origin was 14.4 (95% confidence interval 6.2-33.8; multiple logistic regression, p < 0.01). The cumulative smoking exposure was not related to premature DLE development. At the beginning of the disease, smokers had more extensive involvement than nonsmokers; compromise of the upper arms was statistically related to smoking.

CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking was statistically associated with DLE development. Other studies are needed in order to evaluate the effects of smoking cessation on the course of disease.