Summary

• Most common form of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Lesions are well-demarcated erythematous macules or papules with a scaly surface, which frequently evolve into larger coin-shaped plaques; typically neither pruritic nor painful.
• Age of onset usually between 20 and 40 years. Lesions often precipitated or aggravated by UV light exposure; smoking also considered a risk factor.
• Over time, lesions slowly expand, producing areas of peripheral inflammation or hyperpigmentation, leaving a central region of scarring with telangiectasia and hypopigmentation.
• Diagnosis usually made on clinical grounds, but if in doubt is confirmed with skin biopsy.
• The mainstay of treatment is topical corticosteroids, or oral antimalarials if no response.