What is cutaneous lupus?
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a form of lupus that primarily affects the skin. It can occur on its own or alongside systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which affects the whole body.
About 10 percent of lupus cases are cutaneous, and up to 65 percent of people with SLE also experience skin Show Full Answer
What is cutaneous lupus?
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a form of lupus that primarily affects the skin. It can occur on its own or alongside systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which affects the whole body.
About 10 percent of lupus cases are cutaneous, and up to 65 percent of people with SLE also experience skin lupus. In some cases, CLE may develop into SLE over time, which is why regular checkups are important.
There are three main types of cutaneous lupus:
* Acute cutaneous lupus - Usually presents as the butterfly (malar) rash across the cheeks and nose. Can be triggered or worsened by sun exposure.
* Subacute cutaneous lupus - Causes lesions that often resemble pimples and can appear anywhere on the body. These are typically triggered by sun exposure and vary in shape and color.
* Chronic cutaneous lupus - The most common type is discoid lupus, which causes discolored, scaly patches often on the scalp, nose, earlobes, hands, and neck. These patches may cause scarring and hair loss.
The best way to diagnose cutaneous lupus is through a skin biopsy performed by a dermatologist. They may also do blood tests if they suspect systemic lupus.
April 2
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