Lesions on the torso of a 48 year old African American female patient with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). DLE is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks connective tissue as if it were foreign tissue. DLE causes periodically-recurring inflammation and scarring in a defined area. Sunlight can start an attack, though the underlying cause is unknown and there is no cure. Symptoms may be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.