DermatologyRheumatology
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
Distinguish ACLE (malar) / SCLE (annular) / CCLE (discoid) — biopsy + autoimmune workup, hydroxychloroquine + sun protection.
Source: BAD; EULAR
Step 1 of ~2
info
Recognise Subtypes
Cutaneous LE classification:
• Acute CLE (ACLE): malar 'butterfly' rash, photosensitive; usually associated with active SLE.
• Subacute CLE (SCLE): annular / papulosquamous; photo-distributed; anti-Ro/La +; drug-induced (HCTZ, calcium channel blockers, terbinafine, PPIs); 30% develop SLE.
• Chronic CLE — discoid LE (DLE): scarring scaly disc-shaped lesions; can cause cicatricial alopecia; <10% develop SLE.
• Lupus panniculitis, lupus tumidus — uncommon variants.
Workup: biopsy + direct IF (granular IgG / C3 at dermo-epidermal junction); ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Ro / La / Sm, complement (C3 / C4), urinalysis, FBC, U&E, LFTs.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Hydroxychloroquine · Antimalarial — Lupus / Dermatoses
- Belimumab (Cutaneous Lupus) · BLyS/BAFF Inhibitor (Anti-B-Lymphocyte Stimulator)
- Azathioprine · Systemic Immunosuppressant — Eczema / Autoimmune Dermatoses
- Mycophenolate Mofetil · Systemic Immunosuppressant — Bullous Diseases / Autoimmune Dermatoses
- Hydroxychloroquine · Aminoquinoline — Malaria Prophylaxis / SLE / Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Hydroxychloroquine · Antimalarial / Immunomodulator (Obstetric Use)
Pathways
- Suspicious Pigmented Lesion — Melanoma Pathway · NICE NG14 2015 / BAD
- Cellulitis and Erysipelas · NICE NG141 2019 / CREST
- Psoriasis — Severity Assessment and Step-Up Therapy · NICE NG153 2019 / BAD
- Atopic Eczema — Assessment and Step-Up Therapy · NICE NG95 2023
- Urticaria and Angioedema · BSACI / EAACI Guidelines 2022
- Acne Vulgaris — Grading and Treatment · NICE NG198 2021 / BAD
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.