Diffuse skin lesions in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a persistent autoimmune disease with systemic and life- threatening manifestations, in which cutaneous disease is the second most common manifestation, after joint inflammation. Skin lesions in SLE is originally divided into two groups: LE-specific lesions and LE-nonspecific lesions. The term “LE-specific lesions” includes 3 distinct categorizes: Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ACLE), subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) [4]. By another method of classification, specific skin lesions can also be classified as localized or generalized lesions. The most common localized lesion is malar, or butterfly rash, which is reported in 20-60% of patients with SLE. In comparision to localized lesions, generalized lesions, which are indiscriminately referred to as lupus maculopapular rash, are relatively rare. This form of lesion is characterized by well-demarcated erythematous macules and/or papules located on the extensor side of limbs, sparing the knuckles. In this article, we report a case of a female patient having generalized cutaneous lesions. She was initially diagnosed with SLE and received treatment at Department of Allergy, Center of Dermato-Venerology and Allergy, 108 Military Central Hospital.