Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- disc-shaped erythematous maculopapular scaly lesions
- age 20 to 40 years
- history of ultraviolet light exposure
- smoking history
Other diagnostic factors
- absence of pruritus and/or pain
- telangiectasia, hyperpigmentation and/or hypopigmentation
- permanent scarring alopecia
- systemic features (arthritis, pleuritis, pericarditis, seizures, psychosis)
Risk factors
- age 20 to 40 years
- ultraviolet light exposure
- smoking
- female sex
- non-specific skin injury
Diagnostic investigations
1st investigations to order
- antinuclear antibodies, double-stranded (ds) DNA
- FBC
- ESR
- urea and electrolytes
- urinalysis
Investigations to consider
- skin biopsy
Treatment algorithm
all patients
Contributors
Authors
Meng May Chee, MBChB, MRCP
Consultant Rheumatologist
Wishaw General Hospital
Wishaw
UK
Disclosures
MMC declares that she has no competing interests.
Rajan Madhok, MD, FRCP(Glasg)
Consultant Physician and Rheumatologist
Department of Rheumatology
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Glasgow
UK
Disclosures
RM has declared a stock holding in GSK.
Peer reviewers
Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
Professor of Medicine (Dermatology)
University of Louisville
Louisville
KY
Disclosures
JPC declares that he has no competing interests.
Mark Goodfield, MD
Consultant Dermatologist
Department of Dermatology
Leeds General Infirmary
Leeds
UK
Disclosures
MG declares that he has no competing interests.
Differentials
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE)
- Psoriasis
More DifferentialsGuidelines
- S2k guideline for treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus - guided by the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) in cooperation with the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV)
More GuidelinesPatient leaflets
Psoriasis
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