What is cutaneous lupus?
Cutaneous lupus is limited to the skin, whereas systemic lupus can affect the body’s internal organs. There are 3 categories of cutaneous lupus: 1) subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE); 2) acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ACLE); and 3) discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). SCLE is non-scarring, whereas discoid lupus can result in scarring. Discoid lupus appears as a thick, scaly rash with plugging of the hair follicles and signs of inflammation. Patients with discoid lupus can also have a positive ANA, joint pain and other symptoms. Treatment includes steroid creams, antimalarial drugs, avoiding the sun and sunscreens. Most patients with ACLE have active SLE with skin inflammation.
