RDS 2026 ANNUAL MEETING

What Is Lupus Erythematosus?

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune condition that may cause inflammation in the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Lupus is associated with autoantibodies in the blood, including a positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) test.

Types of Lupus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Patients with internal involvement have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While patients with SLE frequently have skin involvement, many patients with skin involvement do not in fact have SLE or autoantibody positivity, and the diagnosis is primarily made by dermatologic exam and biopsy.

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)

Patients with skin-only involvement have cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). 

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is typically quite photosensitive (sensitive to the sun), with 3 main subsets:

• Acute cutaneous lupus, otherwise known as “the butterfly rash” or “malar rash,” seen in patients who typically have obvious SLE.
• Subacute cutaneous lupus, an often widespread, red rash that is significantly photosensitive and has a predilection for truncal and sun-exposed skin and is often associated with milder SLE if it is present at all.
• Chronic cutaneous lupus with the most common form being discoid lupus erythematosus. This is comprised of red or pink lesions which occur most commonly on the head and neck, may eventuate in residual scarring and hyperpigmentation, and is most commonly present without SLE.