Cutaneous Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
September 1996
in “
British Journal of Dermatology
”
scarring alopecia non-scarring alopecia hair loss cutaneous lupus erythematosus discoid lupus erythematosus photosensitivity Raynaud's phenomenon chilblains urticaria vasculitis livedo reticularis scarring hair loss non-scarring hair loss hair loss skin lupus discoid lupus sun sensitivity Raynaud's chilblains hives vasculitis livedo
TLDR Skin problems are very common in people with systemic lupus erythematosus and important for diagnosis.
In a 5-year study of 73 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at an English hospital, researchers found that cutaneous manifestations were prevalent. Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus lesions, such as a butterfly rash, were present in 51% of patients, and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus was also common, with 25% having chronic discoid lesions and 14% experiencing scarring alopecia as a result. Photosensitivity was reported by 63% of patients, non-scarring alopecia by 40%, and Raynaud's phenomenon affected 60%. The study noted that skin changes are significant in SLE diagnosis, with chilblains and urticaria being particularly common in the British population studied. Discoid lupus erythematosus was diagnosed before systemic symptoms in 12% of patients, and hair loss was observed in 54% of patients, with chilblain lupus found in 20.5%. Mucous membrane involvement was seen in 50% of patients, and vasculitis and livedo reticularis were less common, seen in 11% and 4% of patients, respectively. The study emphasized the diagnostic importance of skin manifestations in SLE.
