How does systemic lupus erythematosus affect the skin?

Skin lupus, is an autoimmune skin disease that occurs when your immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake and damages your skin. This can cause redness, itching, pain and eventual scarring of the skin.

What is the most commonly recognized skin manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus?

fulfilling the four SLE classification criteria. Most patients had more than one type of skin lesion; the most common manifestations were malar rash 65.0%, alopecia 63.0%, photosensitivity 59.5% and oral ulcers 44.7%. The frequency of each type of cutaneous manifestation is shown in figure 1.

What kind of skin problems does lupus cause?

A tell-tale sign of lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Other common skin problems include sensitivity to the sun with flaky, red spots or a scaly, purple rash on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, and arms. Some people also develop mouth sores.

Which of the following facial features may indicate systemic lupus erythematosus?

It is a butterfly-shaped rash that can be flat or raised over the cheeks and bridge of the nose (see the images below). The classic malar rash, also known as a butterfly rash, with distribution over the cheeks and nasal bridge.

Can a dermatologist test for lupus?

To diagnose cutaneous lupus, an NYU Langone dermatologist examines your skin and may remove a small skin sample in a procedure called a biopsy. If your symptoms suggest systemic lupus, your dermatologist may recommend a blood test to confirm or rule out the diagnosis.

Can lupus rash look like acne?

Subacute cutaneous lupus causes two kinds of lesions. The first, called papulosquamous lesions, appear as red, scaly patches that resemble pimples but can quickly spread to cover large areas of skin. Lesions are triggered by exposure to the sun and typically appear on the shoulders, back, and chest.

What is asymptomatic lupus?

Progression of a Disease The first, asymptomatic phase. The second phase of benign autoimmunity, when precursor autoantibodies are present but no symptoms show. The third phase, when more ominous autoantibodies are present, leading to symptoms of lupus and diagnosis.

Does lupus cause skin pigmentation?

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune disorder commonly affecting the skin; cutaneous lesions may indicate systemic involvement, warranting further evaluation. Photosensitivity, which may result in hyperpigmentation, is a well-known feature of the disease.

What is the classic symptom of lupus erythematosus?

A typical sign of lupus is a red, butterfly-shaped rash over your cheeks and nose, often following exposure to sunlight. No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent.

Can a skin biopsy tell if you have lupus?

A biopsy of the skin will show changes of the skin that are characteristic of lupus in a majority of patients. Therefore, in helping the doctor to diagnose lupus the skin biopsy can be very important, especially when other criteria for lupus are absent.

Can a dermatologist diagnose autoimmune disease?

Penn dermatologists have extensive experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating autoimmune disorders, including cutaneous lupus, dermatomyositis, morphea/scleroderma and vasculitis.

What is an effective treatment for systemic lupus?

Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus is directed toward decreasing inflammation and/or the level of autoimmune activity with anti-inflammatory medications for those with mild symptoms and corticosteroids and/or cytotoxic drugs ( chemotherapy) for those with more severe lupus.

What are the 11 signs of lupus?

Extreme fatigue (tiredness) Headaches. Painful or swollen joints. Fever. Anemia (low numbers of red blood cells or hemoglobin, or low total blood volume) Swelling (edema) in feet, legs, hands, and/or around eyes. Pain in chest on deep breathing (pleurisy) Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose.

Can discoid lupus turn into systemic lupus?

About 1% to 5% of discoid lupus patients go on to develop SLE. If you have discoid lupus, you will need to routinely check in with your doctor to make sure only your skin is involved. If your doctor suspects you have systemic lupus, they will first run blood tests. If that’s ruled out, a skin biopsy may be used to diagnose discoid lupus.