An Uncommon Presentation of Tumid Lupus Erythematosus Manifesting as Annular, Non-Scarring Alopecia on the Scalp
January 2025
in “
Cureus
”
TLDR Tumid lupus erythematosus can cause non-scarring hair loss on the scalp and requires careful diagnosis.
This article presents a case of tumid lupus erythematosus (TLE) in a 45-year-old man, characterized by annular, non-scarring alopecia on the scalp. TLE is a rare form of cutaneous lupus that can be mistaken for other conditions like alopecia areata. The patient exhibited erythematous, edematous plaques without systemic symptoms, and a skin biopsy confirmed TLE through lymphocytic infiltrates and dermal mucin. Treatment with topical clobetasol led to rapid improvement. The case emphasizes the importance of considering TLE in differential diagnoses for scalp lesions and highlights the role of histopathological examination in accurate diagnosis and management.