Cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Recognition of its many forms.

The three major forms of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) are chronic (discoid), subacute, and acute (found in systemic LE). Neonatal LE has recently been recognized as a separate disease with unique therapeutic problems. Subsets of DLE, such as rosaceous DLE, LE panniculitis, verrucous DLE, and chilblain LE, have still different characteristics and prognoses. This diversity of presentation creates a wide spectrum of cutaneous disease, which may be seen by a practitioner of any medical specialty. The physician must recognize cutaneous LE in its many forms to properly diagnose, treat, and advise the patient, because for many LE patients, skin problems are the only manifestation of their disease.