We report a case of a 30-year-old woman with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) involving only a single lower eyelid. The diagnostic delay is explained by the unspecific clinical and histopathology picture and lack of specific changes in the first biopsy specimen taken. The diagnosis was based on later histological and immunological studies. Palpebral involvement has rarely been reported as the first and sole manifestation of the disease.</p