Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus in Skin of Color

April 2015 | Volume 14 | Issue 4 | Original Article | 343 | Copyright © April 2015


Wallace Nozile MS, Cheri N. Adgerson MD, and George F. Cohen MD

Department of Dermatology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Abstract
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) is a common manifestation in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. In a significant population of patients, CLE is the predominant feature and, in some cases, patients suffer from cutaneous disease alone. Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CCLE) is a scarring subtype, more prevalent in blacks. Patients with skin of color may pose a challenge to physicians due to exaggerated cutaneous findings and increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypertrophic scarring. With the demographics of the United States rapidly shifting towards a greater population of non-Caucasian racial and ethnic groups, it is imperative that we expand on the limited research into molecular variation, clinical presentation, and therapeutic efficacy in CLE. The purpose of this review is to bring attention to the unique and severe aspects of CLE in persons of color, which calls for early and aggressive treatment.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(4):343-349.

INTRODUCTION

Subtypes of CLE

Acute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (ACLE)