Relevant new insights into the effects of photoprotection in cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) denotes a heterogeneous spectrum of autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the skin. Ultraviolet irradiation (UV) is one of the most important environmental factors that can trigger skin lesions in CLE or even induce systemic organ manifestation. It has been shown that broad-spectrum sunscreen with high sun protection factors can effectively prevent UV-induced skin lesions in patients with different subtypes of CLE. In a recent issue of Experimental Dermatology, Zahn and colleagues demonstrate that potent photoprotection blocks disease-specific skin lesions in CLE patients by reducing lesional tissue damage and interferon-driven inflammation.