Lupus and your skin: Signs and symptoms
What’s the difference between cutaneous lupus and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
Each is a different type of lupus. Cutaneous lupus affects the skin. SLE can affect the skin and other parts of your body, including the joints, lungs, and kidneys.
A person can have cutaneous lupus without having SLE. If you have lupus on your skin, however, it can be a sign that lupus is affecting other parts of your body. That’s why it’s so important to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Dermatologists have expertise in treating lupus on the skin.
Discoid lupus
This often looks like a raised, thick, scaly patch. Most patches develop on the face, scalp, or ears. Treatment is important.
Discoid lupus
Treatment can prevent scars and permanent hair loss.
Discoid lupus in the mouth
Lifelong skin cancer screenings are essential if discoid lupus forms in your mouth or on your lips.
Subacute cutaneous lupus
Some people develop a red, scaly rash that usually appears on the chest, upper back, or neck.
Subacute cutaneous lupus
This type of cutaneous lupus can also cause a rash that has a ring-like pattern.
Subacute cutaneous lupus
The skin can be so light sensitive that sunlight and even fluorescent light bulbs can trigger a flare.
Acute cutaneous lupus (ACL)
A common sign of ACL is the butterfly rash, which can last for hours or days.
Lupus panniculitis
The first sign is often a rash with firm, deep, and painful growths, which reach into the fat beneath the skin.
Lupus panniculitis
In time, the inflammation often destroys the fat cells. This causes deep, recessed scars as shown on this woman’s arm.
Lupus tumidus
Developing on skin that is extremely sensitive to sunlight, LT often feels like a smooth patch with raised borders.
Drug-induced lupus
Medicine can cause this type of lupus. The lupus usually clears when the drug is stopped.
Images
Images 9-11 used with permission of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology:
Image 9: J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;45(3):325-61.
Image 10: J Am Acad Dermatol 2008;58:217-23.
Image 11: J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012;66(4):673-9.
References
Okon LG, Werth VP, “Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: Diagnosis and treatment.” Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2013 Jun; 27(3): 391–404.
Panjwani S. “Early diagnosis and treatment of discoid lupus erythematosus.” J Am Board Fam Med 2009 Mar-Apr; 22(2) 206-13.
Patel RM, Marfatia YS. “Lupus panniculitis as an initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus” Indian J Dermatol. 2010 Jan-Mar; 55(1): 99–101.