Cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Skin involvement can occur as part of systemic lupus erythematosus or as an isolated manifestation of disease; cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). CLE can be categorized as LE-specific or LE-nonspecific manifestations. LE-specific disease can be further subdivided into acute CLE, subacute CLE, chronic CLE (also known as discoid CLE), and intermittent CLE (also known as lupus erythematosus tumidus or tumid lupus). These LE-specific manifestations of CLE are characterized by interface dermatitis, which may also be seen in other skin diseases; therefore, a biopsy is required to confirm a CLE diagnosis prior to treatment. LE-nonspecific CLE manifestations, such as vasculitis and livedo racemosa, are considered signs of thrombotic vasculopathy.