Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Lupus erythematosus is an inflammatory connective tissue disorder characterized by pathogenic autoantibody production and immune complex formation and deposition resulting from a loss of immune tolerance. Dermatological manifestations of lupus constitute one of the diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Cutaneous manifestations in lupus cover a broad spectrum and may or may not occur in the context of SLE. The lesions may be described as lupus erythematosus-specific and lupus erythematosus-nonspecific. Lupus erythematosus-specific manifestations include various subtypes of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and are subdivided into 3 different categories described by Gillian et al. These categories are acute, subacute, and chronic CLE. This activity provides updated information on subacute CLE (SCLE), which typically presents as a symmetric, nonscarring, photosensitive erythematous rash over sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms, upper back, and shoulders (see . Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Face and Neck Lesions).