Mucinous Lupus Alopecia with Papulonodular Mucinosis as a Sole Cutaneous Manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This case study describes a 19-year-old male with mucinous lupus alopecia and papulonodular mucinosis as the sole cutaneous manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The patient presented with multiple asymptomatic patches of hair loss and papules and nodules on the skin, alongside systemic symptoms like Raynaud's phenomenon and arthralgias. Laboratory tests confirmed SLE, but the skin lesions were atypical for classical lupus. Biopsies revealed prominent mucin deposition without significant inflammation, leading to a diagnosis of mucinous lupus alopecia with papulonodular mucinosis. Treatment with hydroxychloroquine and prednisolone resulted in partial improvement. This case highlights the rare presentation of mucinosis causing alopecia in SLE, emphasizing the importance of histopathology for diagnosis.