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Review
. 2020 Apr 4;20(5):12.
doi: 10.1007/s11882-020-00906-8.

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Progress and Challenges

Amy J Petty  1 , Lauren Floyd  2 , Christopher Henderson  2 , Matilda W Nicholas  3
Affiliations
Review

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Progress and Challenges

Amy J Petty et al. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: The review provides an update on the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).

Recent findings: Diagnostic challenges exist in better defining CLE as an independent disease distinct from systemic lupus erythematosus with cutaneous features and further classifying CLE based on clinical, histological, and laboratory features. Recent mechanistic studies revealed more genetic variations, environmental triggers, and immunologic dysfunctions that are associated with CLE. Drug induction specifically has emerged as one of the most important triggers for CLE. Treatment options include topical agents and systemic therapies, including newer biologics such as belimumab, rituximab, ustekinumab, anifrolumab, and BIIB059 that have shown good clinical efficacy in trials. CLE is a group of complex and heterogenous diseases. Future studies are warranted to better define CLE within the spectrum of lupus erythematosus. Better insight into the pathogenesis of CLE could facilitate the design of more targeted therapies.

Keywords: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus; Drug-induced lupus erythematosus; Management; Systemic lupus erythematosus.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ACLE)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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      ••Comment: These are the latest guidelines for classification criteria.

MeSH terms