Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a type of lupus that involves the skin but may be a precursor to the systemic form of the disease. There are three types of cutaneous lupus erythematosus: acute lupus erythematosus; subacute lupus erythematosus, and chronic lupus erythematosus (often called lupus discoid).

The acute type of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus causes a butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks as well as other rashes.

The subacute type of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus causes dry, symmetrical, ring-shaped, superficial lesions that can occur all over the body but most often occur on the upper back and chest. The rash does not cause scars and significant systemic disease manifestations are uncommon.

The chronic type of cutaneous lupus erythematosus is the most common type of cutaneous lupus erythematosus and causes red, scaly, coin-shaped lesions on the body (discoid lesions) which occur mainly on cheeks and nose but can occur on the upper back, neck, backs of hands, lips or scalp. The lesions often leave permanent scars and may cause permanent hair loss if the lesions occur on the scalp they also cause ulcers and scaling if they occur on the lips.

The people most likely to be affected by cutaneous lupus erythematosus are dark skinned women between the ages of 20 and 50. Often cutaneous lupus erythematosus lesions occur or get worse after exposure to the sun. SLE and SCLE may be induced by the long-term use of certain drugs such as thiazide diuretics, glyburide, calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, felodipine) and penicillamine.

Steroidal creams can be used to treat the lesions of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The creams are applied to the lesions two times a day until they disappear. When the rash is mild, weaker types of cream are available which are safer to use.

Taelengiectasia can be helped by the use of a vascular laser. Other treatments include acitretin, thalidomide, cyclosporin, gold, methotrexate, intravenous immunoglobulin, clofazamine, dapsone, and cyclophosphamide.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus can also be treated with oral steroids, but are only used in very severe cases of DLE. These drugs have side negative side effects as well, so talk to your doctor about your benefits vs. the risks.

Antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat cutaneous lupus erythematosus. These drugs work by reducing inflammation but they do have harmful side-effects, so you will need to have regular eye exams and blood tests.

To prevent and treat cutaneous lupus erythematosus you should stay indoors between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., wear protective clothing and a hat, and use a sunscreen with SPF of 30 that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Sometimes these milder forms of lupus discoid can develop into the more serious systemic form of the disease, so if you have one of the forms of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, it is important to eat a healthy diet, take vitamins, do not drink or smoke, stay out of the sun as much as possible and see your dermatologist regularly. In addition, getting treatment for lupus erythematosus promptly may help to prevent scars and hair loss from the lesions of SLE.

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