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Review
. 2021 May 18:2021:6610509.
doi: 10.1155/2021/6610509. eCollection 2021.

Cutaneous Manifestations of "Lupus": Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Beyond

Elizabeth E Cooper  1 , Catherine E Pisano  1 , Samantha C Shapiro  2
Affiliations
Review

Cutaneous Manifestations of "Lupus": Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Beyond

Elizabeth E Cooper et al. Int J Rheumatol. .

Abstract

Lupus, Latin for "wolf," is a term used to describe many dermatologic conditions, some of which are related to underlying systemic lupus erythematosus, while others are distinct disease processes. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus includes a wide array of visible skin manifestations and can progress to systemic lupus erythematosus in some cases. Cutaneous lupus can be subdivided into three main categories: acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Physical exam, laboratory studies, and histopathology enable differentiation of cutaneous lupus subtypes. This differentiation is paramount as the subtype of cutaneous lupus informs upon treatment, disease monitoring, and prognostication. This review outlines the different cutaneous manifestations of lupus erythematosus and provides an update on both topical and systemic treatment options for these patients. Other conditions that utilize the term "lupus" but are not cutaneous lupus erythematosus are also discussed.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Lupus vasculitis, with digital ischemia and mesenteric ischemia, ultimately resulting in perforated bowel.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Classic malar “butterfly” rash of the forehead, chin, and malar cheeks. Note the relative sparing of the nasolabial folds.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Subtle annular plaques on the left upper extremity of this female patient diagnosed with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Dyspigmentation apparent during gradual resolution of this rash in subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Coin-shaped erythematous plaques seen on this female patient's left cheek, biopsy results consistent with discoid lupus.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Scarring alopecia as a result of discoid lupus on the scalp of this male patient.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Hypopigmented small plaques with border of hyperpigmentation on the right preauricular region.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Multiple tender, indurated hyperpigmented plaques affecting the left chest in this patient with lupus panniculitis.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Painful, subtly dusky papules and plaques on the fingers of a patient with chilblains lupus.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Involvement of the lips and palate in a case of bullous lupus.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Small hemorrhagic vesicles on the hands of a bullous lupus patient.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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